Flexi Wing?

Question

Does making the wing more flexible improve performance on aircraft? If so, how?

Answer 1

Yeah the Aeroelastic wing testing was done on modified F-18's where they didn't use conventional control surfaces. instead big servos  changed the shape and flex of the wing for the desired control input.

Answer 2

in a way it can.  if there is alot of weight from engines, and the wing is too flexible, the wing will slope down and become dihederal and affect the lift, maybe positvely, maybe negative, depending on the aircraft type. having a rigid wing is also bad, if a landing is rough, it can snap, or in turbulence. a balance needs to be made. They are developing a wing that can change shape completely, not just swing, to increase surface area or sweep back or whatever, the former producing more lift, the latter producing more speed.