What is the primary consequence of exceeding the critical angle of attack on a UAV's wing?

The primary consequence of exceeding the critical angle of attack on a UAV's wing is a stall, resulting in a significant reduction in lift and a sharp increase in drag. The angle of attack is the angle between the wing's chord line (an imaginary line from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing) and the relative wind (the direction of the airflow relative to the wing). As the angle of attack increases, the lift generated by the wing also increases, up to a certain point. The critical angle of attack is the angle at which the lift reaches its maximum value. When the angle of attack exceeds this critical point, the airflow over the upper surface of the wing becomes turbulent and separates from the wing's surface. This separation disrupts the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, which is what generates lift. As a result, the lift decreases dramatically. Simultaneously, the turbulent airflow increases the drag, further hindering the UAV's ability to maintain flight. This loss of lift and increase in drag is known as a stall. A stalled wing is no longer generating sufficient lift to support the UAV's weight, and the increased drag opposes its forward motion. For example, if a UAV attempts to climb too steeply, the angle of attack may exceed the critical angle, causing a stall and potentially leading to a rapid loss of altitude. Recovery from a stall typically involves reducing the angle of attack by lowering the nose of the aircraft and increasing airspeed to re-establish smooth airflow over the wing.