What determines the required quality and strength of fabric for covering aircraft?

The required quality and strength of fabric for covering an aircraft is primarily influenced by the pounds per square foot of wing loading and never-exceed airspeed. Wing loading, which is the total weight of the aircraft divided by the total wing area, is a critical factor in determining the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. Higher wing loading results in greater forces acting on the wing structure during flight, especially during maneuvering, take-off, and landing conditions.

Additionally, the never-exceed airspeed represents the maximum speed an aircraft should not exceed to maintain structural integrity and safety. This speed impacts the amount of stress and strain that the fabric covering must withstand during operation. Therefore, fabric must be chosen based on its strength to endure these specific loads and conditions, ensuring safety and performance.

While the other options relate to certain aspects of aircraft design and operation, they do not directly determine the specific quality and strength requirements of the fabric used for covering. For instance, while the weight of the aircraft can be a factor, it is not as directly tied to fabric material selection as the combination of wing loading and never-exceed airspeed. Similarly, the shape of the wing and the type of materials used in other parts of the aircraft influence the overall design but do not specifically dictate