What does increasing the dihedral angle primarily improve in flight?

Increasing the dihedral angle primarily enhances roll stability in flight. The dihedral angle refers to the upward angle of the wings relative to the horizontal plane. When an aircraft is in a banked turn, if the wings are set at a higher dihedral angle, it creates an increased tendency for the aircraft to return to level flight. This happens because a banked wing naturally generates more lift on the lower wing, which increases induced drag, and the dihedral effect helps right the aircraft back to its original flight path.

This characteristic is particularly important in fixed-wing aircraft, where stability is crucial for safe operations. A higher dihedral angle effectively contributes to the lateral stability of the aircraft, making it easier for pilots to manage the aircraft's roll during maneuvers. Emphasizing roll stability ensures that the aircraft can maintain a steady flight path without excessive pilot input, enhancing the overall safety and control of the aircraft.