What is the function of a wing's airfoil shape?

The airfoil shape of a wing is primarily designed to generate lift, which is essential for flight. This specific shape creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing when air flows over it. The upper surface is typically curved, while the bottom is flatter. As the airfoil moves through the air, the airflow speed increases over the top surface, resulting in lower pressure compared to the higher pressure below the wing. This pressure differential produces lift, allowing the aircraft to rise off the ground.

While other functions of a wing, such as drag reduction, stabilization, and structural strength, are important, they are secondary to the primary role of lift generation. The efficient design of an airfoil is fundamentally aimed at maximizing lift for a given amount of drag, which is crucial for sustained flight, especially during takeoff and landing. Understanding the airfoil shape's role in lift helps in grasping the principles of aerodynamics, a key component in aircraft performance and safety.