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The Sky Is the Limit: Finding the Optimal Wing Shape for a Remote-Controlled Airplane

AJAS · 2025 Engineering (inferred)

Richard F. Vidal-Dorsch · California Academy of Sciences

Overview

Many small aircraft face the hurdle of sluggish climbs thanks to conventional wing configurations. This can lead to increased fuel consumption and increased pollution in urban areas near airports. This study explores how modifying wing configurations affects the vertical ascent speed of a commercially available rubber band-powered model airplane used as a surrogate. Five wing configurations were tested: a baseline wing, an additional wing from the kit, and three newly designed wings (Cessna-shaped, Extended-length, and Reverse-sweep). The Reverse-wing design achieved the fastest climb rate, reaching the highest average speed and height. This suggests that changes such as a Reverse-sweep wing design can offer better performance than the baseline wing, enabling faster climbs, extended gliding times, and higher cruising speeds.

Competition history

  • AJAS 2025 Category not listed

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Source: AAAS Annual Meeting (Confex) / American Junior Academy of Science

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