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How to Figure the Wing Load for an R/C Model Airplane

The wing loading of any model or full-sized airplane influences many flight characteristics, including takeoff and landing distance, gliding performance and stalling speed. Lower wing loading, or the weight to wing area ratio, reduces the workload of the wings and increases the airplane's performance. A hobbyist can choose a specific wing loading for her needs when designing an airplane or can calculate the wing loading of a particular design to determine its suitability. Figuring wing loading requires a lot of arithmetic, so watch out: math ahead.

Things You'll Need

Calculator or computer
Pencil and paper
Measuring tape
Weighing scale

Instructions

- 1
  Weigh the model, fully assembled, in ounces. Include all accessories normally used during a flight, such as fuel, batteries, engine and propeller. Be sure your measurement is accurate to ensure the math turns out correctly.
- 2
  Measure the wing dimensions in inches. Measure the wingspan (tip to tip) and the chord line (leading edge to trailing edge). If the wings taper down towards the wingtips, try to measure an average chord line about halfway from wing-root to wingtip.
- 3
  Determine the surface area of the model̵7;s main wings. For total surface area in square inches, multiply wingspan times chord line. Surface Area= (Wingspan) x (Chord line).
- 4
  Divide the model̵7;s weight by the wing̵7;s total surface area to obtain wing loading in ounces per square inch. (Weight)/(Wing Area)=Wing Loading. A good wing loading is .15 ounces per square inch, with anything falling between .11 and .20 ounces per square inch being acceptable.

Aviation