What Airfoil Should I Use?

There are two kinds of airfoils: Symmetrical and Semi-Symmetrical

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 4digit 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.