Wetted area

In sailboating, the wetted area is the area of the hull (watercraft) which is immersed in water.

In aircraft, the wetted area is the area which is in contact with the external airflow. This has a direct relationship on the overall aerodynamic drag of the aircraft.

References

  • Intake Aerodynamics (October 1999) by Seddon and Goldsmith, Blackwell Science and the AIAA Educational Series; 2nd edition