Designing high aspect ratio wings: A review of concepts and approaches

In response to escalating environmental concerns and stringent economic constraints, there is an urgent need to develop aircraft technologies and configurations that substantially enhance efficiency. A prominent trend in aircraft design aimed at minimizing lift-induced drag, improving fuel efficiency, and mitigating emissions is the adoption of increased wing Aspect Ratio (AR). This paper examines the evolution and current advancements in High Aspect Ratio Wing (HARW) and Ultra-High Aspect Ratio Wing (UHARW) configurations for next-generation transport aircraft. Beginning with a historical overview of wing AR in transport, the paper examines the progress in designing both conventional and novel HARW/UHARW configurations. It reviews a range of promising concepts, such as strut-braced wing, truss-braced wing, twin-fuselage, and folding wingtips, for their potential in HARW applications. The paper emphasizes tailored conceptual design methods and tools specifically developed for HARW/UHARW configurations. It provides an in-depth analysis of preliminary design approaches for HARW aircraft, systematically covering aspects including aerodynamic, aeroelastic, aerostructural, and experimental designs. Key insights from leading-edge research are distilled, highlighting the significant advancements and pinpointing the current challenges in the field. The comprehensive review underscores the critical role of HARW/UHARW in enhancing aircraft performance, particularly in fuel efficiency and environmental impact, setting the stage for future transformative developments in aircraft efficiency.