What is the primary purpose of wings in an aircraft?

The primary purpose of wings in an aircraft is to serve as the main lifting surfaces. Wings are designed with an airfoil shape, which creates a difference in air pressure when air flows over and under them during flight. This difference in pressure generates lift, allowing the aircraft to rise off the ground and maintain altitude. The shape, size, and angle of the wings significantly influence the amount of lift produced, making them essential for the basic operation of any flying vehicle.

While stability and control are important aspects of an aircraft's performance, these functions are primarily managed through other components, such as control surfaces and the tail assembly. The wings themselves are fundamentally responsible for generating the lift needed to overcome gravity. Additionally, while wings do connect the fuselage to the tail assembly, that structural role is secondary to their primary function of lifting the aircraft.