In a sideslip, what is the effect of dihedral angle on lateral stability?

• A. Dihedral reduces lateral stability in a sideslip.
• B. Dihedral creates a restoring roll moment in a sideslip, increasing lateral stability and damping.
• C. Dihedral has no effect on stability in a sideslip.
• D. Dihedral only affects vertical stability.

Answer: (D)

Dihedral angle provides a stabilizing effect on lateral (roll) motion. In a sideslip, the wing on the lower side tends to develop more lift due to the relative wind interacting with the wing’s dihedral. That extra lift raises the lower wing and creates a roll toward the higher wing, producing a restoring moment that dampens the sideslip and helps the aircraft return toward level flight. This is a lateral-stability effect, not a primary factor in vertical stability.