On which type of wing are flaps more effective?

Flaps are designed to increase the lift of an aircraft wing at lower speeds, which is particularly important during takeoff and landing. The effectiveness of flaps is influenced by the wing's design, particularly its thickness. A thicker wing can accommodate larger flaps, which can significantly enhance lift because they increase the surface area and alter the airflow over the wing more effectively.

In addition, thicker wings often have a greater washout and a more effective airfoil shape that supports the enhanced lift generated by the deployment of flaps. This allows for a more dramatic increase in lift coefficient compared to other wing types.

In contrast, thinner wings generally have less volume for flaps, limiting their effectiveness. Sweptback and straight wings may also have specific characteristics that do not capitalize as well on the benefits provided by flaps when compared to a thicker wing. Therefore, the thicker wing design is particularly advantageous for maximizing the performance benefits of flaps during critical flight phases.