What is wet wing construction in aircraft?

Wet wing construction refers to a design method where the fuel cells are integrated within the wing structure of the aircraft. This means that the wings themselves serve as fuel tanks, significantly enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft while reducing the overall weight compared to using separate fuel tanks.

In this construction method, the internal structure of the wing is designed and sealed to hold the fuel, effectively utilizing the space and allowing for a streamlined design. This approach is commonly used in both commercial and military aircraft, providing benefits such as reduced drag and increased fuel capacity without needing additional external tanks or structures. The integration of fuel cells within the wings helps optimize the aircraft's center of gravity and overall design.

By contrast, fuel tanks located inside the fuselage limit the use of wing space for fuel storage and increase the weight where it could be distributed more efficiently. External fuel tanks and portable fuel cells also do not leverage the structural integrity of the wings as effectively as wet wings, often resulting in increased drag and complexity in flight management.