What is the effect of a wing with a very high aspect ratio in comparison to a low aspect ratio wing?

A wing with a very high aspect ratio, which is defined as the ratio of its span to its average chord, tends to have several aerodynamic advantages over a low aspect ratio wing. One of the key benefits is the reduction in stall speed.

This occurs because a high aspect ratio wing generates more lift for a given angle of attack compared to a low aspect ratio wing. With a larger wingspan and narrower chord, the lift distribution across the wing is generally more efficient, allowing the aircraft to maintain the necessary lift at lower speeds. As a result, the aircraft can operate safely at lower speeds without reaching the critical angle of attack where stall occurs.

Additionally, high aspect ratio wings typically experience less induced drag, allowing for better performance and efficiency, particularly in subsonic flight scenarios. This means that not only does the stall speed decrease, allowing for slower flight, but the wing also performs better overall in terms of lift-to-drag ratio.

In contrast, a low aspect ratio wing, which is broader in chord compared to its span, tends to stall at higher speeds due to a less favorable lift distribution and increased induced drag, which can lead to operational challenges and limited performance. Thus, the characteristics of high aspect ratio wings contribute significantly to the overall stability