Wing tip
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Image:PiperPA-28CherokeeWithHugeWinglets01.jpg
The wing tip is that part of the wing most distant from the fuselage of a fixed-wing aircraft.
Because the wing tip shape influences the size and drag of the wing tip vortices, how best to terminate the wing of an airplane has long been a controversial subject amongst aircraft designers. As a result of this diversity of opinion wing tips are seen with many different configurations, including:
- Squared-off
- Aluminium tube bow
- Rounded
- Hoerner style
- Winglets
- Drooped tips
Wing tips are also an expression of aircraft design styling and so their shape may be influenced by as much by marketing considerations as aerodynamic requirements.
Wing tips are often used by aircraft designers to mount navigation lights, anti-collision strobe lights, landing lights, aircraft type identification decals or for other utility purposes.
The opposite end of a wing from the wing tip is the wing root.
