Weight carried by the wing
A heavier plane or smaller wing usually needs more speed to take off.
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AeroForge plane simulator
Design aircraft.
Test the result.
A browser-based aircraft engineering simulator: change one design choice, see the predicted effect, then fly the exact aircraft you built.
How it works
One clear loop from idea to evidence.
Three simple steps. A plane you built. A result you can see.
- 01
Choose your aircraft
Pick an aircraft and a focused question. Start with a trainer or try something faster.
Your starting point - 02
Change one thing
Adjust a wing, the weight, or engine power. See how your design changes the predicted flight.
Instant feedback - 03
Put it to the test
Fly the exact aircraft you built. Watch the takeoff and compare the result with your prediction.
Evidence, in motion
Plane types
Find your next aircraft.
Five different ways to fly. Choose a starting point and make it your own.
Learn what the numbers meanSimple explanations for the plane feedback+
How it estimates
The plane drawing and the numbers use the same inputs.
Faster air pushes harder on the wing. The wing turns that moving air into lift. Wing size, weight, and shape decide how much speed and runway the plane needs.
Long wing versus short wing
Long wings can save energy, but very long wings need more strength.
How steady the nose feels
A steady plane settles itself. An unstable one keeps tipping unless corrected.
How much the tail can help
A tail farther back can control the nose with less size.
Glossary
Plain language first.
Angle of attack
How steeply the wing meets the air. Too steep and the wing can stop lifting well.
Wingspan compared to wing width. A long, narrow wing (high aspect ratio) usually saves energy. A short, wide wing (low aspect ratio) can be stronger and turn faster.
q = ½ρv²
Faster air pushes harder on the wing. Doubling speed makes that push four times stronger.
Extra drag made when the wing is working hard to lift the plane.
Lift-to-drag ratio (L/D)
How much useful lift the plane gets for the drag it creates. Higher is better.
Static stability (static margin)
Whether the nose naturally settles down after it is bumped up or down.
The wing is tilted too steeply and stops making enough lift. It is not an engine problem. It happens when the angle of attack passes a critical value.
W/S
How much weight each bit of wing has to carry. More weight per wing area usually needs more speed.