info in ads for R/C planes

wing loaded = dry weight \ wing area

This figure roughly helps estimate the characteristics of the aircraft. Low wing loading means there's plentiful lift generated to sustain the aircraft at lower speeds, or low stall speed. High wing loading means the opposite, or high stall speed... so a typical jet would have relatively high wing loading vs. something like a high wing trainer with relatively low wing loading. An EDF may have around 65 grams per square decimeter of wing load (65g/dm^2; typical units of measurement in models) versus a glider at 12 grams per square decimeter of wing load (12g/dm^2).

Hypothetically, a higher wing loading also reduces an aircraft's maneuverability... but only to certain degrees. This is why an Extra can out-turn say, an F-18. But what comes important is the stresses involved with wing loading applications. Generally, a larger wing surface equates a lower wing loading. If such is true, pushing a low loaded wing creates serious stress (assuming large wing area associated with this low loaded wing). This is why aeronautical engineers aim to decrease weight, not increase air surface/wing area. To example... two aircraft same applied engineering structure, with an equal wing load. The only difference: one is slightly heavier, and thus, has a slightly larger wing area to give the same wing load. If they are designed with the same engineering structure, over time the larger wing surface aircraft fatigues at a higher rate, even though maneuverability is identical.

Increasing speed without changing wing loading also inadvertently changes the stress of the wings. For example: an aeromodeler decides to add a higher performance EDF in his A-10 to make it faster. If the new EDF weighs the same as old, wing loading remains unchanged. Pushing the aircraft outside its engineered performance range (max speed at set wing loading) can affect it... this is why some modified GWS' have had wings fold up on them.

Although theories are simple, wing loading must properly be understood to take advantage of it.

-Ryan