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Q:

Why are high-speed airplane wings shaped the way they are?

A:

The wings of high-speed airplanes are relatively thin and often angled back. Thin wings help delay the formation and reduce the strength of shock waves. And sweeping back the wings makes them seem even thinner to the airstream.

Ask an Explainer
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Categories:
Aerodynamics
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