Plain English Meaning

A newer-style wing cross-section. Compared to the thin, sharply curved wings of early aircraft, later wing shapes are thicker, smoother at the front, and shaped to fly better at a wider range of speeds.

Full Definition

A general label used in airfoil design discussions to refer to airfoil shapes developed after the earliest aviation era — typically airfoils with a more rounded leading edge, refined camber, and a thicker, more efficient cross-section than the thin, highly cambered shapes used on early aircraft. Later airfoils were designed to produce lift more efficiently across a wider range of speeds and angles of attack, and to behave more predictably near the stall.

Context Anchor

Seen in airfoil design discussions when comparing older wing shapes with improved designs used on later airplanes.