Formation panel lights were added to the upper and lower surfaces of the wingtips. As compared to the YF-17, the Hornet's wing was also increased by an additional 50 square feet (from 350 to 400 square feet). This span and chord increase improved low-speed performance. The wing had a trapezoidal planeform (swept on the forward edges, but straight on the trailing edges) and incorporated a variable camber. The variable camber is achieved by using full-span leading edge flaps and hydraulically-actuated single-slotted flaps on the inner trailing edges. These computer-controlled surfaces manage extension and retraction. They set the surfaces to the most desirable angle for optimal performance throughout the entire envelope.
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The full span notched ailerons on the outer portions of the wings' trailing edges (which were not present on the YF-17) can double as flaps to enhance low-speed handling qualities. Differential operation of flaps and ailerons can serve as roll control. The outer wing panel is hinged at the inboard edge of each aileron for folding aboard carriers.
