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The airfoil shape is commonly used for aircraft wing ribs because it is designed to optimize aerodynamic performance. Wing ribs serve as the structural framework within a wing, helping to maintain its shape and support the skin of the wing.

An airfoil shape is specifically crafted to help generate lift when air flows over the wing, making it essential in the design of aircraft. The curvature of the airfoil helps in creating a pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, which is crucial for flight. By having ribs in this shape, the wings can effectively manage aerodynamic forces while maintaining structural integrity.

Other options like rectangular, cylindrical, and hexagonal shapes do not provide the aerodynamic efficiency required for effective wing performance, which is why they are less suitable for wing ribs. The airfoil shape combines strength and aerodynamic properties, making it the preferred choice in wing design.