An airfoil is any surface that produces a useful aerodynamic force. Here are some examples of uses of those aerodynamic forces:
- Lift
- Negative Lift
- Stability
- Thrust
- Control
When talking about airfoils it is important to know the technical terminology, including:
- Leading and Trailing Edges
- Chord Line and Chord
- Upper, Lower and Mean Cambers
- Center of Pressure
- Blade Span
There are also two main types of airfoil with certain advantages and disadvantages to each:
- Symmetrical Airfoil
- Asymmetrical Airfoil
Video
Learn more about airfoil types, terms and concepts with this short video on airfoils:
Resources
- FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook Chapter 2 – Aerodynamics of Flight
- FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 5 – Aerodynamics of Flight
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