simonbp4d ago

OMG it's a channel wing!

Channel wings are one of those goofy aero gimmicks that were briefly popular in the 20th century without any real adoption. It's funny to see drone makers cycle through them to see what sticks.

https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/04/07/semicircular-wings-give-this-hybrid-evtol-an-800-mile-range-with-30-less-power-consumption/
#avgeek

Show threadsimonbp
The canonical channel wing is the Custer CCW-5, first flown in 1953. It had remarkable STOL (short takeoff and landing) performance (Popular Mechanics compared it to flying an autogyro), but the effect was limited by the engines of the time. It apparently still exists, in the Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Pennsylvania.
#avgeek
Apr 9 at 2:25pmWeb
Show threadMidgePhoto4d ago
@simonbp the wing conceals the exhausts from some angles. Could be useful.