Positioning of Wings in aircrafts?

Question

Hi,
I want to know about the positioning of wings in Aircrafts. In some aircrafts, the wings are placed at the top of fuselage, while in some aircrafts its at the middle and in some aircrafts its at the bottom. Why these different positioning of wings, what difference does each make and which is the best position?

Thanks,
Jayanth.

Answer 1

Wing position matters for the design more for usage rather than better flying. Wing design it self is for flying. There are a number of factors but a basic follows for todays planes.

For a large cargo plane you need lower access and height. So it is better to have the wings at the top and bring the body lower. For passenger planes you want the top free of intrusive structure so a lower wing design is prefered. Of course there are exceptions to these design ideals (bombardier Q series top wing design, turbo prop though).

Many smaller aircraft have the wing at the top for easier loading, better pilot vision etc.

Cost can also affect design in that a top wing can be built as one large part and attached easier. Lower wing designs take more to install. Today more upto designer and usage.

Answer 2

High wings such as those seen on military heavy lift aircraft have advantages such as engines which are further off the ground. In a higher position they are less likely to suck in debris when landing on unimproved runways often used in deployment into a battle zone. The high wing T tail arrangement also has the advantage of being out of the way when the aircraft is used for para-troupe deployment out the rear of aircraft. Also handy for loading and unloading because the wing spar does not disturb the inside of the fuselage.
.

Answer 3

The high wing design is the best for several reason, number one is that the wings are not affected by interference drag from the fuselage, second is that when slipping or skidding the air over the top of the wing isnt disturbed by the fuselage like they are on a low wing, which causes whats called a dutch roll.
Lastly, if the fuel is in the wings, no in tank fuel pump is required.
On airliners the wings are lower because they cannot interfere with the passenger compartment and by sweeping the wings and up turning them, called dihedral, reduces lateral instability that causes dutch rolls.

Answer 4

Generally, the lower the wings, the more responsive the aircraft is in roll. Aircraft like the Cessna, with its high wings, make good, stable training machines. Also ground visibility is excellent.

Aircraft for pylon racing and aerobatics have low-slung wings and a large aileron area, thus making them lightning-fast to respond to the stick.

Answer 5

the high wing design is usually for slow flight, STOL (short take off and landing) aircraft. you can find the high wing in planes such as the Cessna 172, 182, and Caravan. low wing design is usually for high-performance aircraft. these are your typical airliners, regional jets, corporate jets, and retractable-gear props: planes such as the Boeing 737, the Bombardier CRJ (Canadair reigional jet), the Cessna Citation line, and the Cirrus SR 22

Answer 6

High wings don't interfere as much with the bomb bay, and are aerodynamically the best. But landing gear struts mounted in high wings have to be longer and heavier.

Answer 7

No such thing as best when it comes to aircraft.High wing is in general better for stability. low wing is better maneuverability.mid wing design came around for maneuverability with added strength and speed.