In aviation, what is the aspect ratio?

The aspect ratio in aviation is defined as the ratio of the wingspan (the distance from one wingtip to the other) to the mean chord (the average width of the wing). In simpler terms, it reflects how long and slender the wings are compared to their width. A higher aspect ratio indicates longer, narrower wings, which are typically found on gliders and more efficient in terms of lift-to-drag ratio. This configuration helps in maintaining lift during flight, particularly in a gliding state, and contributes to better aerodynamic efficiency.

Understanding aspect ratio is crucial for aircraft design and performance, as it influences factors such as stall characteristics, maneuverability, and overall efficiency. Therefore, option B accurately captures this concept. The other choices do not pertain to the definition of aspect ratio: the length of the aircraft, total wing area, and altitude represent different parameters that do not describe the relationship between wingspan and wing width.