concept

Aspect ratio

A measure of how long and narrow a wing is — technically the wingspan squared divided by the wing area. Long, narrow wings (high aspect ratio), like an albatross's, glide very efficiently with low induced drag, ideal for sustained long-distance soaring. Short, broad wings (low aspect ratio) trade that efficiency for manoeuvrability and low-speed lift. The giant soarers of both Earth and Pandora lean toward long wings, to live off rising air at the least cost.