Which design change could influence the chord of a wing to enhance performance?

Altering the shape of the wing directly impacts its aerodynamic characteristics, including the chord. The chord of a wing refers to the width of the wing from the leading edge to the trailing edge. By changing the wing shape, one can modify the distribution of lift and drag across the surface of the wing, which can enhance overall performance.

For instance, a thicker airfoil may be designed with a larger chord to improve lift at lower speeds, which is beneficial for takeoff and landing. Conversely, a thinner airfoil can reduce drag at higher speeds, leading to improved cruise performance. This design flexibility allows engineers to optimize the wing for specific flight profiles, such as increased efficiency or maneuverability.

In contrast, the other design changes, while significant for overall aircraft performance, do not directly influence the chord in a way that would specifically enhance performance as effectively as shaping the wing itself. Increasing the aspect ratio primarily affects lift-to-drag ratio, adjusting the dihedral angle influences lateral stability, and lengthening the fuselage relates to overall aircraft length and dynamics rather than the wing’s chord.