WINGS

WINGS Wings develop the major portion of the lift of a heavier-than-air aircraft. Wing structures carry some of the heavier loads found in the aircraft structure. The particular design of a wing depends on many factors, such as the size, weight, speed, rate of climb, and use of the aircraft. The wing must be constructed so that it holds its aerodynamics shape under the extreme stresses of combat maneuvers or wing loading. Wing construction is similar in most modern aircraft. In its simplest form, the wing is a framework made up of spars and ribs and covered with metal. The construction of an aircraft wing is shown in figure 4-8. Spars are the main structural members of the wing. They extend from the fuselage to the tip of the wing. All the load carried by the wing is taken up by the spars. The spars are designed to have great bending strength. Ribs give the wing section its shape, and they transmit the air load from the wing covering to the spars. Ribs extend from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing. In addition to the main spars, some wings have a false spar to support the ailerons and flaps. Most aircraft wings have a removable tip, which streamlines the outer end of the wing. Most Navy aircraft are designed with a wing referred to as a wet wing. This term describes the wing that is constructed so it can be used as a fuel cell. The wet wing is sealed with a fuel-resistant compound as it is built. The wing holds fuel without the usual rubber cells or tanks. The wings of most naval aircraft are of all metal, full cantilever construction. Often, they may be folded for carrier use. A full cantilever wing structure is very strong. The wing can be fastened to the fuselage without the use of external bracing, such as wires or struts. A complete wing assembly consists of the surface providing lift for the support of the aircraft. It also provides the necessary flight control surfaces. NOTE: The flight control surfaces on a simple wing may include only ailerons and trailing edge flaps. The more complex aircraft may have a variety of devices, such as leading edge flaps, slats, spoilers, and speed brakes. Various points on the wing are located by wing station numbers (fig. 4-7). Wing station (WS) 0 is located at the centerline of the fuselage, and all wing stations are measured (right or left) from this point (in inches). STABILIZERS The stabilizing surfaces of an aircraft consist of vertical and horizontal airfoils. They are called the 4-8 TRAILING EDGE RIBS SPARS LEADING EDGE ANf0408 Figure 4-8.—Two-spar wing construction.