What does the mean aerodynamic chord represent?

The mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) represents the average chord length across the entire wing, taking into account the varying shapes and profiles of the wing sections along its span. This metric is crucial in aerodynamics as it provides a single representative value that can be used for analysis and calculations, especially in determining stability and control characteristics of the aircraft.

Using the mean aerodynamic chord allows pilots and engineers to simplify complex wing geometry into a more manageable figure, making it easier to compute parameters such as lift, drag, and center of gravity for the aircraft. It serves as a vital reference in various aerodynamic calculations and is fundamental when assessing the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft during different phases of flight.