Highwing

High-wing describes an aircraft design in which the wing is mounted on the top of the fuselage. This configuration can be cantilever, strut-braced, or parasol (with a small set of struts or cabane supports). High-wing aircraft are common in general aviation, bush flying, and utility roles because the wing supports and struts clear the fuselage and cockpit.

Variants and construction

Cantilever high-wings have no external struts, reducing drag but requiring stronger and heavier wing structures. Strut-braced high-wings use external supports to save weight and allow a lighter wing, though they add drag. Parasol or cabane-mounted wings sit above the fuselage with vertical supports, offering easy access to the cabin and good downward visibility. The choice of variant influences aerodynamics, maintenance, and payload options.

Advantages

High-wing design provides excellent downward visibility, useful for sightseeing and aerial observation. It offers good ground clearance for landing gear and undercarriage, beneficial on unprepared fields and rough terrain. The high wing also protects engines and cylinders in some aircraft and can simplify loading and unloading through broad, sideslip doors or cargo bays.

Disadvantages

Strut-braced high-wings incur more drag than cantilever designs. The wing’s position can affect lateral and roll characteristics, and maintenance access to the wing-fuselage junction may be more complex. In some cases, high-wing layouts demand taller landing gear and can complicate aerodynamics at high angles of attack.

Notable examples

Cessna 172 and 182, Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Pilatus PC-6 Porter, De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, and Antonov An-2 are well-known high-wing aircraft, spanning general aviation, bush operations, and utility missions.