A "swing wing," more technically known as a variable-sweep wing, is an airplane wing that can change its angle of sweep during flight.
Essentially, a swing wing allows an aircraft to alter its wing geometry to optimize performance for different flight conditions. The wings can be swept back for high-speed flight (like supersonic travel) and extended outwards for slower speeds, take-off, and landing. This adaptability makes swing-wing aircraft versatile.
Here's a breakdown:
- Variable Geometry: A key feature is the ability to change shape mid-flight.
- Swept Wings: When "swung," the wings are angled backward. This reduces drag at high speeds.
- Straight Wings: When "swung" forward (or straight), the wings provide better lift at lower speeds, improving take-off and landing performance.
In short, a swing wing is an aircraft design that allows for adjustable wing geometry during flight to optimize performance across a wide range of speeds and flight conditions.
