Book 23, Question 129
Why Do Paper Planes Fly Steadier When Their Wings Tilt Up Into a Shallow V?
Wings tilted up in a shallow V help a plane stay steady. If it rolls, the low wing gets more lift. That swing rights the plane! Dihedral means wings tilt up like a shallow V.
More fun facts
- When the wings tilt up into a shallow V, with the tips higher than the middle, the angle is called dihedral.
- Dihedral gives roll stability. A wing with some dihedral naturally returns to its position after a slight roll.
- It keeps the wings up and the body down by putting the wings' lift above the body, where the plane's balance point is.
- Most large airliners have dihedral, with wing tips farther off the ground than where the wings meet the body.
- When the tips are lower than the middle, the angle is called anhedral.
- Highly maneuverable fighter planes usually have anhedral, which lets them roll quickly.
- The Wright brothers gave their 1903 Flyer a slight anhedral to improve how it rolled.
- NASA's McEagle foam glider plans raise each wing tip about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) higher than the middle.
Questions kids ask
How do you add dihedral to a paper plane?
Hold the plane by its base and tip the wings upward.