Wing Loading Calculator
Calculate aircraft wing loading and cube loading for aerodynamic design and performance analysis
Calculate Wing Loading
Select a predefined aircraft or choose "Custom Aircraft" to enter your own values
Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of the aircraft
Projected planform area of the wings
Wing Loading Results
Wing Loading Formula: WL = W / S
Wing Cube Loading Formula: WCL = W / S^1.5
Calculation: 0.0 kg ÷ 0.0 m² = 0.0 kg/m²
Example Calculation
MiG-21 Fighter
Weight: 10,400 kg
Wing Area: 23 m²
Wing Loading: 452.2 kg/m²
Category: Military Fighter
Calculation Steps
1. WL = W ÷ S
2. WL = 10,400 kg ÷ 23 m²
3. WL = 452.2 kg/m²
4. WCL = 10,400 ÷ 23^1.5 = 94.3 kg/m³
Aircraft Categories by Wing Loading
Ultra-light
< 50 kg/m² (< 10 lb/ft²)
Microlights, paragliders
Light Aircraft
50-150 kg/m² (10-31 lb/ft²)
Gliders, light sport aircraft
General Aviation
150-300 kg/m² (31-61 lb/ft²)
Cessna, Piper, private jets
Military
300-500 kg/m² (61-102 lb/ft²)
Fighter aircraft, attack jets
Commercial
500-800 kg/m² (102-164 lb/ft²)
Airliners, cargo aircraft
Wing Loading Tips
Lower wing loading = better maneuverability and shorter runways
Higher wing loading = faster cruise speeds and better penetration
Aircraft speeds are proportional to √(wing loading)
Wing cube loading relates to aircraft volumetric efficiency
Turning radius increases with wing loading
Understanding Wing Loading in Aircraft Design
What is Wing Loading?
Wing loading is a fundamental parameter in aircraft design that represents the ratio of aircraft weight to wing area. It directly affects aircraft performance characteristics including speed, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and runway requirements.
Why is Wing Loading Important?
Wing loading determines many critical aspects of aircraft performance. It affects stall speed, takeoff and landing distances, turning radius, climb rate, and fuel consumption. Understanding wing loading is essential for aircraft design and performance optimization.
Wing Cube Loading
Wing cube loading (WCL = W/S^1.5) provides additional insight into aircraft design efficiency. It relates to the volumetric loading of the aircraft and is particularly useful for comparing aircraft of different sizes and configurations.
Wing Loading Formula
WL = W / S
- WL: Wing loading (kg/m² or lb/ft²)
- W: Aircraft weight (kg or lb)
- S: Wing planform area (m² or ft²)
Wing Cube Loading Formula
WCL = W / S^1.5
- WCL: Wing cube loading (kg/m³)
- W: Aircraft weight (kg)
- S^1.5: Wing area to the power of 1.5
Low Wing Loading Effects
- • Lower stall speed
- • Shorter takeoff/landing distance
- • Better maneuverability
- • Tighter turning radius
- • Lower cruise speed
- • More sensitive to turbulence
High Wing Loading Effects
- • Higher stall speed
- • Longer runway requirements
- • Higher cruise speed
- • Better penetration through turbulence
- • Wider turning radius
- • More stable in rough air
Design Trade-offs
- • Speed vs. maneuverability
- • Runway length vs. performance
- • Fuel efficiency vs. payload
- • Stability vs. agility
- • Wing size vs. structural weight
- • Cost vs. performance