Republic Airways Practice Test 2025 - Free Airline Assessment Questions and Study Guide

The concept of critical Mach number is significantly relevant to wing design in high-speed aircraft. As an aircraft approaches its critical Mach number, the airflow over the wing begins to reach supersonic speeds. This phenomenon can lead to shock waves forming, which can adversely affect lift, drag, and overall aircraft performance.

Incorporating wing sweeping into wing design is a strategic choice to delay the onset of these adverse effects associated with reaching the critical Mach speed. Sweeping the wings back effectively reduces the wing's effective chord and alters the airflow, allowing the aircraft to fly at higher speeds without encountering the negative characteristics of shock waves. This design technique is common in military and commercial aircraft intended for supersonic or transonic flight, as it enables the maintenance of stable flight at higher velocities.

By delaying the critical Mach number through wing sweeping, designers can enhance the performance and efficiency of the aircraft, making this a crucial aspect of modern aerodynamic design.