What airfoil should I use?

Symmetrical Airfoils
NACA0006 to NACA0015
These are known as NACA 4-digit airfoils where the 4 digit number defines the shape. The first
2 digits define the camber amount and location. If these numbers are "00" then the airfoil has
zero camber and therefore is fully symmetrical. The last 2 digits define the thickness of the
airfoil as a percentage of the length. As an example, the NACA0006 is a 6% thickness airfoil, so
an airfoil with a 10" chord will be 0.600" thick at the thickest point of it's profile.

The thinner NACA airfoils are popular for V-tails, Horizontal stabs, Fins and Rudders. The
thicker NACA0012 and NACA0015 are popular wing airfoils for aerobatic and sport aircraft.

The original Bridi Kaos series of pattern ships used the NACA 4-digit airfoils and were some of
the best flying planes of their generation.

SD8020
This airfoil is another popular aerobatic airfoil. It's nose is slightly sharper than the 4-digit NACA
series, which are known for their blunt leading edge.

N66-012
This airfoil is popular for pylon racing, particularly for Q-500 where the rules specify a minimum
thickness of 12%. This is a NACA 6-digit series airfoil which is a more complex airfoil than the 4-
digit series.

E168 & E169

These fully symmetrical airfoils have a maximum thickness location that is further forward than
the NACA 4-digit airfoils. The aft portion of the airfoil is nearly straight which can simplify
building procedures. These airfoils were designed by Dr. Richard Eppler, a renown designer of
airfoils for general aviation and gliders.
Semi Symmetrical Airfoils
NACA2408 to NACA2415
These are known as NACA 4-digit airfoils where the 4 digit number defines the shape. The first
2 digits define the camber amount and location. NACA2408 has a 2% camber amount, The
maximum caber location is at 40% of the chord length and the airfoil is 8% thick at is thickest
location. Camber is defined as a line on a cross section of a wing of an aircraft which is
equidistant from the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. The Camber and Thickness profile
define the shape of an airfoil.

NACA Semi Symmetrical airfoils are popular for warbirds, scale and Sport aircraft where some
inverted flight capability is desired.

Flat-1 to Flat-3
These airfoils are popular for Trainers and Slow flying aircraft. Flat-2 and Flat-3 are thinner
versions of Flat-1.

Aquila
This is another Flat bottom airfoil that is used on the Aquila glider. It is the thinnest of the Flat
bottom airfoils shown here.

Telemaster
This is another popular Flat Bottom airfoil that was designed for the Telemaster, a large high
wing trainer type aircraft that was and early aerial photography platform. It features an aft
portion that is a straight line for the last 1/3 of the airfoil.

Clark-Y
If there is an all time favorite, this is it. The Clark-Y has been used on countless models from the
J-3 Cub to modern Electric powered warbirds. Jim Young and Jim Ryan (Ryan Aircraft) are big
fans of the Clark-Y. If you want a Semi Symmetrical airfoil, and you haven't a clue which one to
use, the Clark-Y is a great choice!

E214
This popular glider airfoil has also been used on some UAV's and Aerial Photography aircraft
due to it's thick cross section. It is a high lift airfoil with relatively low drag.

SipKill
This is a popular airfoil for tailless flying wings and is a good selection for highly swept EPP
foamy combat wings.

SD7037
Similar characteristics to the E214, but with a thinner cross section.

S6061
Popular for gliders and sailplanes

SD7003
Another popular glider airfoil. The maximum thickness location is further forward than the other
glider airfoils shown here.

RG15
This is a classic selection or gliders. It is the Clark-Y of the glider world and a great place to start
if you are designing your own glider or sailplane.

RG14
This is a speedier version of the RG15. It is slightly thinner and has less camber. Less drag and
less lift makes for a faster airfoil.