What effect does increasing the aspect ratio of a wing have on performance?

Increasing the aspect ratio of a wing generally leads to improved aerodynamic performance. A higher aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the wing's span to its average chord (width), results in a larger wingspan relative to the wing's width. This geometric change has several beneficial effects on the lift and drag characteristics of the wing.

With a higher aspect ratio, the wing generates more lift due to the increased surface area interacting with the airflow, allowing for a better lift-to-drag ratio. The larger wing can produce lift at lower angles of attack, which reduces the likelihood of stalling and allows for more efficient flight, especially during cruising conditions.

Moreover, a wing with a higher aspect ratio typically experiences less induced drag, which is the drag caused by the creation of lift. This is because the wing’s design reduces vortices that form at the wingtips, leading to a smoother airflow. As a result, the increase in lift combined with a reduction in drag enhances overall performance, making the aircraft more efficient during its flight operations.

In contrast, other options suggest various negative effects or neutral impacts associated with increasing aspect ratio, which do not accurately reflect the benefits that careful wing design offers in terms of efficiency and performance enhancements.