Definition
A high-aspect-ratio airfoil designed by David R. Davis in the 1930s, characterized by a thin profile with a sharply curved leading edge and a long, gradual taper to the trailing edge. It produces low drag at cruise speeds and was used most notably on the Consolidated B-24 Liberator and PB4Y Privateer.
Plain English
A long, narrow wing shape developed by an engineer named Davis. Its slim profile lets aircraft fly long distances efficiently, which is why it was chosen for heavy bombers that needed range.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft design, aviation history, and aerodynamics discussions, especially when describing the B-24 Liberator or efficient wing shapes.
Derivation
Named after David R. Davis, the freelance aeronautical engineer who patented the airfoil in 1931. The wing's reputation was built on the B-24 Liberator's exceptional range during World War II.
Why Pilots Care
While not relevant to current training aircraft, recognizing the Davis Wing helps pilots understand how airfoil design choices directly shape an aircraft's range, cruise efficiency, and low-speed handling — trade-offs still made in every modern wing.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Davis Wing” as a separate removable part or as any wing on an aircraft named Davis. It means a particular efficient wing shape named after David R. Davis.
Example Sentence 1
The B-24 Liberator's long range came largely from its Davis Wing, which produced less drag at cruise than conventional airfoils of the era.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance crews checked the Davis Wing structure carefully because of its thin, efficient profile.