What is the primary chord-wise member of an aircraft wing that helps in maintaining its structure?

The primary chord-wise member of an aircraft wing that contributes significantly to its structural integrity is the spar. Spars run from the root to the tip of the wing and provide the main support structure, distributing loads experienced during flight and ensuring the wing maintains its shape and stiffness.

Ribs are essential for maintaining the airfoil shape of the wing and add to the overall structural integrity, but they are more associated with providing form than primary structural support along the length of the wing. Formers are typically used in fuselage construction rather than in wing structures, and longerons are structural members found mainly in the fuselage, providing longitudinal support.

Understanding the roles of these components is crucial in aviation mechanics, especially in maintenance and inspections, where structural integrity can significantly impact safety and performance.