Why do big commercial airplanes have wings on the bottom and big (US) military airplanes have their wings on top?
In: Engineering
A high wing design allows for an aircraft to operate from airfields with minimal ground facilities as the fuselage can have low ground clearance so things like internal steps and loading ramps can be most easily used. A similar low ground clearance is possible with a rear mounted engine configuration. Regional jets and turboprops for civil uses at airports with minimal facilities often have either a high wing or rear mounted engines for this reason. These types of aircraft typically need a T tail configuration which is structurally inefficient needing more weight.
Latest Answers