What is the aspect ratio of an airfoil?

The aspect ratio of an airfoil is defined as the ratio of its wingspan to its mean chord (the average width of the wing). It is a measure of the elongation of the wing, with higher aspect ratiOS indicating longer, narrower wings and lower aspect ratiOS reflecting shorter, broader wings. A higher aspect ratio generally leads to improved lift-to-drag performance, making it advantageous for gliders and high-efficiency aircraft. Conversely, lower aspect ratiOS are often found in aircraft designed for maneuverability and short-range operations.