The straight wing is good for planes that fly at slower speeds and shorter distances. It is relatively easy and much less expensive to design and build a straight wing that is structurally sound and can produce the necessary lift. The delta or swept-back wings are good for higher performance aircraft that have significantly more power and travel at much faster airspeeds. Many of these planes are good for transcontinental or transatlantic flights.

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Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov