Airline Transport Pilot Written Knowledge Practice Test

The principal advantage of having a sweptback wing design is that it increases the critical Mach number of the aircraft. When the wings are swept back, the airflow over the wing is delayed, which means shock waves that can occur at higher speeds are also delayed. This allows an aircraft to achieve higher speeds before experiencing significant drag caused by compressibility effects near or at the speed of sound.

By increasing the critical Mach number, the sweptback wing design enables the aircraft to fly faster and improves performance characteristics, particularly for jet aircraft designed to operate at transonic speeds. This design is particularly beneficial in high-speed flight regimes, where avoiding the onset of shock waves is crucial for efficient performance.

While other designs may also reduce drag, enhance stability, or improve lift at lower speeds, these factors are not the primary advantage of sweptback wings in the context of high-speed flight. The main takeaway is that the sweptback design is specifically aimed at allowing the aircraft to operate effectively near the speed of sound, making it a critical feature for modern jet aircraft.