What is anhedral in aircraft design?

Anhedral refers specifically to the design feature in aircraft where the wings are inclined downward from the root (where the wing connects to the fuselage) to the tip (the outermost part of the wing). This design can reduce the aircraft's lateral stability and increase maneuverability, allowing for potentially tighter turns and increased agility.

In many cases, anhedral wings are found on military aircraft or specialized designs that prioritize different handling characteristics over stability. The downward angle can also contribute to rolling moments that assist pilots in managing the aircraft during various flight maneuvers. Understanding anhedral is important for comprehending how wing design affects flight characteristics and performance.