page_title: Wing configuration
section_title: Minor independent surfaces
hierarchical_section_title: Wing configuration / Minor independent surfaces
context_page_description: The wing configuration of a fixed-wing aircraft is its arrangement of lifting and related surfaces.
  Aircraft designs are often classified by their wing configuration. For example, the Supermarine Spitfire is a conventional low wing cantilever monoplane of straight elliptical planform with moderate aspect ratio and slight dihedral.
  Many variations have been tried. Sometimes the distinction between them is blurred, for example the wings of many modern combat aircraft may be described either as cropped compound deltas with swept trailing edge, or as sharply tapered swept wings with large leading edge root extensions. Some are therefore duplicated here under more than one heading. This is particularly so for variable geometry and combined wing types.
  Most of the configurations described here have flown on full-size aircraft. A few significant theoretical designs are also notable.
  Note on terminology: Most fixed-wing aircraft have left hand and right hand wings in a symmetrical arrangement. Strictly, such a pair of wings is called a wing plane or just plane.
context_section_description: Aircraft may have additional minor aerodynamic surfaces. Some of these are treated as part of the overall wing configuration:
  Winglet: a small fin at the wingtip, usually turned upwards. Reduces the size of vortices shed by the wingtip, and hence also tip drag.
  Strake: a small surface, typically longer than it is wide and mounted on the fuselage. Strakes may be located at various positions in order to improve aerodynamic behaviour. Leading edge root extensions (LERX) are also sometimes referred to as wing strakes.
  Chine: sharp-edged profile running along the fuselage. When used aerodynamically it is extended outwards to form a lifting surface, typically blending into the main wing. As well as improving low speed (high angle of attack) handling, provides extra lift at high supersonic speeds for minimal increase in drag. Seen on the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.
  Moustache: small high-aspect-ratio canard surface having no movable control surface. Typically is retractable for high speed flight. Deflects air downward onto the wing root, to delay the stall. Seen on the Dassault Milan.
caption: Various minor surfaces