Planform

In design planform or plan view is a vertical orthographic projection of an object on a horizontal plane, like a map.

In aviation, a planform is the shape and layout of an airplane's wing. Of all the myriad planforms used, they can typically be grouped into those used for low-speed flight, found on general aviation aircraft, and those used for high-speed flight, found on many military aircraft and airliners.

Gallery

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  Spitfire shows off its elliptical planform
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  Aircraft wing planform shapes: a swept wing KC-10 Extender (top) refuels a F-22 Raptor
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  The delta-winged Convair F-106 Delta Dart
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  The swept wing planform of a BMI British Midland Airbus A319-100, seen at take off

Related pages

• Wing