Geodetic structural elements were used by Barnes Wallis for British Vickers between the wars and into World War II to form the whole of the fuselage, including its aerodynamic shape.
To maintain its all-important aerodynamic shape, a wing must be designed and built to hold its shape even under extreme stress. Basically, the wing is a framework composed chiefly of spars, ribs, and (possibly) stringers (see figure 1-5).
Examples include the engine cowlings, antennas, and the aerodynamic shape of other components.
Interference Drag comes from the intersection of airstreams that creates eddy currents, turbulence or restricts smooth airflows.
That is why a steel fuselage uses tubes also as diagonals to carry the shear in compression or tension and the whole structure is then covered with fabric (light weight) to give it the required aerodynamic shape or desired look.
 See also: Weight, Negative, Plane, Structure, Speed
  
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