MAC

Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC)

The Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) is the average chord length of an aircraft’s wing. It represents the wing’s overall shape, which greatly influences flight characteristics such as lift, drag, and stability.

Calculating the MAC involves measuring the chord length at various points along the wing and averaging those values. This average represents the most influential chord length across the entire wing, and is used in calculations related to wing design, stability, and control.

Aircraft engineers use the MAC as a key parameter in designing and testing wings for different aircraft. It helps to ensure that the wing’s aerodynamic characteristics are optimized for the desired flight performance and efficiency.

Overall, the MAC is an important concept in aviation and a critical component of wing design. Understanding its calculation and implications is fundamental to the design, testing, and operation of modern aircraft.