Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did military aircraft shift from wooden structures to metal frames during the 1920s?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

military aircraft Tupolev Tu-22M, a Russian variable-wing supersonic jet bomber first flown in 1969. It was designed for potential use in war against the NATO countries, where it was known by the designation “Backfire.”

During the 1920s, the military aviation industry began shifting from wooden structures to metal frames primarily to meet the demands of increasingly powerful aero engines and to ensure durability in diverse climates worldwide.1

While early aircraft relied on wood and fabric due to their low weight and availability, these materials were difficult to maintain and prone to rapid deterioration when exposed to the elements. As aviation technology advanced, the need for greater structural strength became critical to support higher speeds and more robust performance requirements.21

The transition was facilitated by the development of necessary manufacturing skills and the adoption of lightweight aluminum alloys, such as Duralumin. Metal frames offered superior strength and durability compared to wood and fabric, eventually enabling the design of more efficient, streamlined airframes. Although metal structures introduced new challenges—such as the need to manage metal fatigue and corrosion—the shift was essential for the evolution of modern, high-performance combat aircraft.23