What happens to high camber airfoils?

High camber airfoils are designed with a significant curvature, which allows them to generate more lift, particularly at lower speeds. The increased camber enhances the airfoil's ability to manipulate airflow over its surface, creating a larger pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces. This differential is what produces lift. The ability to generate lift efficiently at lower speeds makes high camber airfoils particularly useful in applications such as general aviation aircraft and gliders, where lower takeoff and landing speeds are critical.

In contrast, airfoils with less camber may require higher speeds to achieve the same lift, making them less effective in scenarios where speed is a limiting factor. Thus, high camber airfoils are strategically designed for optimal performance under specific flight conditions, particularly in generating lift when the aircraft is moving slower.