1. What is Wing Loading?

Wing loading is the measurement of an aircraft's weight divided by its wing area. In RC aircraft, it's typically measured in ounces per square foot (oz/ft²). It's a key factor in determining how an aircraft will perform in flight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wing loading formula:

Where:

• \( WL \) — Wing loading (oz/ft²)
• \( mass \) — Total weight of the aircraft (oz)
• \( area \) — Total wing area (ft²)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much weight each square foot of wing must support during flight.

3. Importance of Wing Loading

Details: Wing loading affects stall speed, maneuverability, and overall flight characteristics. Lower wing loading generally means slower flight and better maneuverability, while higher wing loading means faster flight but requires more power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total mass of your RC aircraft in ounces and the total wing area in square feet. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good wing loading for RC planes?
A: For trainers: 10-15 oz/ft², for sport planes: 15-20 oz/ft², for 3D planes: under 10 oz/ft², for jets: 25+ oz/ft².

Q2: How do I measure wing area?
A: Calculate the area of each wing panel (span × average chord) and sum them. Include any area within the fuselage if wings join through it.

Q3: Should I include battery weight?
A: Yes, include all components that fly with the aircraft - airframe, electronics, battery, and any payload.

Q4: How does wing loading affect takeoff?
A: Higher wing loading requires more speed/longer runway for takeoff. Lower wing loading allows shorter takeoffs.

Q5: Can I convert oz/ft² to other units?
A: Yes, 1 oz/ft² ≈ 3.05 g/dm² or 0.305 kg/m². For metric calculations, use consistent units (grams and square decimeters or kg and square meters).