Question

Why do cargo aircrafts make use of supercritical airfoil?

(a) Better takeoff and landing performance

(b) No vortex formation

(c) More fuel carrying capacity in thicker airfoil

(d) Thinner airfoil resulting in less wing weight

The question was asked in quiz.

I want to ask this question from The Supercritical Airfoil topic in portion Subsonic Compressible Flow over Airfoils : Linear Theory, Linearized Supersonic Flow of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Better takeoff and landing performance

To explain: Supercritical airfoils work efficiently even in the transonic regime. It’s unique geometry of large leading edge, flatter top surface and cusp shape at the bottom aft section all result in high lift. This leads to very good take-off and landing performance as during this flight regime, higher lift is required. For this reason, cargo flights make use of supercritical wings.