Wing loading (WL) is a fundamental aerodynamic parameter used in aviation to describe the distribution of an aircraft’s weight over its wing’s surface area. It is typically expressed in units of force per unit area, such as pounds per square foot (lb/ft²) in the Imperial system or newtons per square meter (N/m²) in the International System of Units (SI). The wing loading equation can be defined as follows:
- Wing Loading (WL) is the wing loading in the chosen units (e.g., lb/ft² or N/m²).
- Aircraft Weight is the total weight of the aircraft, including fuel, passengers, cargo, and everything else that contributes to its mass. It is typically measured in pounds (lb) or newtons (N).
- Wing Area is the total surface area of the aircraft’s wings. It is typically measured in square feet (ft²) or square meters (m²), depending on the unit system used.