delta wing

aeronautics

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June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

A delta wing is a triangular airplane wing shaped like the Greek letter delta (Δ). It is characterized by a straight trailing edge and is attached to the fuselage at roughly a right angle. This wing design was first used in 1946.12

Delta wings are particularly effective for supersonic flight. They help delay the critical Mach number, which is when airflow over parts of the aircraft reaches the speed of sound. The supersonic Concorde famously featured delta wings.32

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airplane
Wing types
Delta wings are formed in the shape of the Greek letter delta (Δ); they are triangular wings lying at roughly a right angle to the fuselage. The supersonic Concorde featured delta wings.
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Delta wings are formed in the shape of the Greek letter delta (Δ); they are triangular wings lying at roughly a right angle to the fuselage. The supersonic Concorde featured delta wings.
Read More