Wing Cube Loading

Aeronautical KnowledgeAirplane DesignAerospace EngineeringWing DesignWingsCalculator
Written By Terrance Luckett
Wing Cube Loading Skill Level Scale Chart

What Is Wing Cube Loading?
Wing Cube Loading (WCL) is a value that provides a consistent comparative numeric value, which can be used as a general indicator of the flying characteristics of a model radio controlled airplane. WCL is not dependent on size. This size independence makes it easier to understand the overall “flyability” of any RC plane, and serves as a reliable index of the pilot’s skill level needed to fly it successfully.

 

Wing Cube Loading Calculator

Use this easy wing cube loading calculator to quickly get the WCL of your plane. This calculator can be used for both Imperial and Metric measurements.
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Wing Cube Loading Formula

How To Calculate WCL

  1. Divide the Wing Area measured in Square Inches by 144

  2. Raise the result of Step 1 to the power of 1.5

  3. Find the Takeoff Weight in Ounces of your airplane. This includes fuel if applicable and batteries and divide that by the result of Step 2

The following graphic shows the formal in visual form, you may also use the free WCL calculator available on this page.

Wing Cube Loading vs Wing Area Loading
Wing area loading (WAL) is a measure of how much force is placed on a section of the wing. The sections are usually measured in either square inches, feet, meters, or centimeters. Since WAL directly correlates to the size and weight of the airplane, it is not a good measure of an airplanes flyabilty or flying characteristics.

WCL is calculated using this formula.
Takeoff Weight / ( ( Wing Area in sq.in. / 144 sq.in. ) ^ 1.5 ).

 
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Learn more about Wing Cube Loading includes free calculator.
Since Wing Area Loading (WAL) directly correlates to the size and weight of the airplane, it is not a good measure of an airplanes “flyabilty” or flying characteristics, this is where Wing Cube Loading comes in.

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Terrance Luckett

From my very first flight from Germany to the United States as a young kid, I’ve had a love of aviations. Even today, my mind is always thinking about airplanes. Join me as I document and explore aviation, from model to full scale. 

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