Definition
A wing planform whose leading and trailing edges form the shape of a half-ellipse, producing a lift distribution along the span that is closest to the theoretical ideal. This shape minimizes induced drag for a given span and lift, but it tends to stall along the entire span at nearly the same time, giving little stall warning. It is also more difficult and expensive to manufacture than straight or tapered wings.
Plain English
A wing shaped like a stretched oval when viewed from above. It is very efficient in the air, but it can stall all at once with little warning, and it is harder to build.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of wing planform, aircraft performance, lift distribution, and induced drag.
Derivation
From the geometric shape called an ellipse — an oval, symmetrical curve. The wing is named after this shape because, viewed from above, its outline traces a half-ellipse.
Why Pilots Care
This shape produces the least induced drag for a given wing area, improving climb, cruise efficiency, and range.
Grounding Statement
Picture looking straight down at an airplane and seeing each wing narrow smoothly from the fuselage toward a rounded tip, like one half of a long oval.
Intuition Check
Elliptical does not mean the whole wing is round, and it does not describe the airfoil shape from the side. It describes the wing’s outline when viewed from above.
Example Sentence 1
The Supermarine Spitfire is the classic example of an aircraft built with an elliptical wing.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, the instructor pointed out how the elliptical wing reduces drag compared with the trainer’s rectangular wing.