Definition
An arrow used to represent the total lift force produced by a wing, showing both the strength of that lift and the direction it acts. Lift always acts perpendicular to the relative wind and to the wingspan, so the lift vector points straight up out of the top of the wing relative to the airflow, regardless of the airplane's attitude.
Plain English
A way of picturing the lift force as an arrow. The length of the arrow shows how much lift the wing is producing, and the direction of the arrow shows which way that lift is pulling the airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen in stall recovery, steep turn, and load-factor discussions when explaining how lift is aimed and why the airplane may need more or less lift in a maneuver.
Derivation
From Latin vector, meaning 'one who carries.' In math and physics, a vector is a quantity that has both size and direction, shown as an arrow. Pairing it with 'lift' just means an arrow that represents the lift force.
Why Pilots Care
In a stall the lift vector shrinks and points backward; recovering requires lowering the nose to rebuild the vector and regain control.
Analogy
Think of pulling on a rope attached to an object. The rope’s pull has a strength and a direction. The lift vector is like that for the wing’s lifting force.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the lift vector always points straight up. It points in the direction the wing’s lift is acting, and that direction changes when the airplane banks or maneuvers.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane rolled into a steep bank, the lift vector tilted with it, reducing the vertical component of lift and requiring back pressure to maintain altitude.
Example Sentence 2
In a level turn the lift vector tilts so part of its force pulls the airplane around the corner while the rest holds altitude.