Wing Aspect Ratio in Aircraft Design

In simplest terms, aspect ratio refers to the shape of a wing in a continuum from small and blocky to long and thin. Wing aspect ratio is the ratio of wingspan to mean chord and it is easy to derive for rectangular wings. Fast aerobatic planes tend to have low-aspect-ratio wings, and sailplanes typically have high-aspect-ratio wings. Consider the planforms of the General Dynamics F-16 fighter vs. the Lockheed U-2 surveillance aircraft. If your plane...