What is dihedral in relation to wing design?

Dihedral refers to the upward inclination of a wing from the root to the tip. This design feature is essential for aircraft stability and handling characteristics. When wings are angled upwards, it helps provide better roll stability. If the aircraft experiences an unwanted roll, the dihedral angle promotes an inherent tendency for the aircraft to return to level flight, as the wing with the lower altitude produces more lift, helping to counteract the roll.

The dihedral angle impacts the aircraft's response to lateral forces during flight, contributing to overall aerodynamic performance and enhancing control. This is particularly important in larger aircraft where stability is crucial for safe and efficient operation. Understanding dihedral is key in aircraft design and is fundamental in ensuring that an aircraft behaves predictably in various flight conditions.