Why are dihedral wings beneficial in aircraft design?

Dihedral wings are beneficial in aircraft design primarily because they improve lateral stability. When an aircraft with dihedral wings experiences a roll to one side, the lower wing has a greater angle of attack due to its position relative to the horizontal plane, which results in an increase in lift on that wing. This causes the aircraft to naturally right itself, countering the roll and helping to maintain level flight. This inherent stability is advantageous in various flight scenarios, contributing to safer and more controlled handling characteristics.

In contrast, while reducing drag at high speeds, increasing lift at low speeds, or enhancing climb rate during ascent are important factors in aircraft performance, they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of dihedral wing design. The role of dihedral wings is specifically focused on improving lateral stability, making them a crucial design feature for achieving a well-balanced and controllable aircraft.