Introduction
The aspect ratio is a coefficient which allows to characterize the elongation of a wing. This is the squared span of the wing divided by its projected area.
Aspect ratio = span² ÷ projected area
*On a square, we could take the length of the square in relation to the other side of this square, but on a wing, there are different chord variations to take into account.
The ratio aspect of a wing
A wing is characterized by its length (span), its chord (width) and its surface. The ratio aspect is the relationship between these elements, which gives a coefficient that enables wings to be compared with each other.
For example, between a Carver 1700 (AR=5.5) and a Flyer 1300 (AR=7), the latter has less string compared to its length, so its aspect ratio is higher. So the more aspect ratio you have, the more span you get!
The influence of lengthening on navigation
The higher the aspect ratio of a wing, the less drag it will have in relation to the same area. For example, if I have a Carver 1500 and a Flyer 1500, the latter having a higher aspect ratio, it will drag less and therefore perform a little better in terms of speed.
A wing with high aspect ratio will also have what we call better glide ratio. Once you stop giving it speed, it will take longer to fall back. It’s like a glider compared to a fighter plane: once you cut the engine, the glider takes much longer to land. On the other hand, Carver-type wings with more moderate aspect ratios will allow you to evolve and turn much more than a Flyer-type wing, which will have better glide and flight.
In windfoil, there is a search for lift in light airs. It is therefore necessary to work with higher aspect ratios to minimize drag and have maximum lift. In slalom, we look for tolerance and maneuverability, so we need to work with slightly lower aspect ratios. For wingfoiling, it’s exactly the same. If you want to ride waves, a Carver will be perfect. You can take it in any direction, and it will never stall. On the other hand, for pumping on flatter water or for slalom winging, a Flyer will be perfect, with a higher aspect ratio. Less drag compared to lift, so more speed and more long flights.
If you want to know everything there is to know about wingfoil, we’ve put together a dedicated guide!