What is the significance of a positive dihedral angle in wings?

A positive dihedral angle in wings contributes significantly to the stability of the aircraft, particularly during rolling motions. When an aircraft with positively dihedral wings experiences a roll due to external forces, such as turbulence or pilot input, the dihedral angle helps restore the aircraft to its level flight orientation. This stability is achieved because when one wing drops, the lift vector on that wing decreases, causing the aircraft to naturally want to level out as the lift on the higher wing increases.

This feature is crucial for maintaining control and overall flight safety, especially during turbulent conditions or when abrupt maneuvers are made. Additionally, the positive dihedral can enhance the pilot’s ability to manage the aircraft with less corrective input, thereby contributing to a smoother and more stable flight experience overall.