Leading Edge Slots And Slats

• 2Common types
  • 2.2Movable slats

Introduction

A fixed leading edge slot can increase the maximum lift coefficient of an airfoil section by 40%. In conjunction with a slat, the increase in maximum lift coefficient can be 50% or even 60%.52 Unlike trailing edge flaps, leading edge slots do not increase the lift coefficient at zero angle of attack. The most common types of leading edge high lift devices are fixed slots, movable slats, leading edge flaps and cuffs. The inclusion of full span automatic leading-edge slats, something of a 'tradition' on Messerschmitt fighters dating back to the original Bf 109's outer wing slots of a similar type, helped increase the overall lift produced by the wing by as much as 35% in tight turns or at low speeds, greatly improving the aircraft's turn performance as well. Just got the leading edge slats on the Avid+ and flew it for about 4 hours the past 2 days. It is pretty fun; amazing control to be able to fly and be fully maneuverable at 45 mph and less. The flaperon flaps actually enhance the slats and keep the plane at a pretty level attitude while flying and maneuvering at that speed. 1162 Prosperity Parkway - Douglas, Wyoming, 82633. Phone: 307-358-5700. Email: email protected Web: www.supercub.com.

High lift devices are movable surfaces or stationary components that are designed to increase lift during some phases or conditions of flight. It is most frequently utilised during takeoff and initial climb and the approach and landing phases of flight, but may also be used in any other low speed situation. They accomplish this by increasing both the surface area and the camber of the wing. The leading edge of the airfoil can also be equipped with high lift devices.

Common types

The most common types of leading edge high lift devices are fixed slots, movable slats, leading edge flaps and cuffs.

Fixed slots

Fixed slots direct airflow to the upper wing surface and delay airflow separation at higher angles of attack. The slot does not increase the wing camber, but allows a higher maximum lift because the stall is delayed until the wing reaches a greater angle of attack.

A good example of an aircraft which uses fixed slots is the Zenith CH750, light utility airplane.

Movable slats

Movable slats consist of leading edge segments that move on tracks. It can be either automatic, or powered and controlled by a pilot.

Automatic slats

They open and close aerodynamically. When air approaches the leading edge of an airfoil, it divides; some flowing over the top of the wing and some flowing over the bottom. The spot where the airflow splits is called the 'stagnation point. 'When the airfoil is at a low angle of attack, the stagnation point is on the leading edge. When the airfoil is at a high angle of attack, the stagnation point moves below the leading edge and behind the slat. Air flowing up and over the wing pushes the slat open.

For example, a German Bf-109 fighter uses automatic flaps.

Leading Edge Flaps And Slats

Powered slats

They appear on many large aircraft and provide the same benefits as an automatic slat. However, they are electrically or hydraulically powered - increasing reliability. The flight crew sets the slat position via cockpit controls.

For example, this is how powered slats look like on a Boeing 737.

Leading edge flaps

Leading edge flaps, like trailing edge flaps, are used to increase both the lift coefficient and the camber of the wing. This type of leading edge device is frequently used in conjunction with trailing edge flaps and can reduce the nose-down pitching movement produced by the latter. As is true with trailing edge flaps, a small increment of leading edge flaps increases lift to a much greater extent than drag. As flaps are extended, drag increases at a greater rate than lift.

Leading Edge Slots And Slats Images

As an example, leading edge flaps on the wing root of a B737-200.

Cuffs

Leading edge cuffs, like leading edge flaps and trailing edge flaps, are used to increase both CL-MAX and the camber of the wings. Unlike leading edge flaps and trailing edge flaps, leading edge cuffs are fixed aerodynamic devices. In most cases, leading edge cuffs extend the leading edge down and forward. This causes the airflow to attach better to the uppersurface of the wing at higher angles of attack, thus lowering an aircraft’s stall speed. The fixed nature of leading edge cuffsextracts a penalty in maximum cruise airspeed, but recent advances in design and technology have reduced this penalty.

The best modern example of cuffs is used on the Cirrus SR-20/22.

See also

Reference

• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge by FAA - Chapter 6 Flight controls
• SKYbrary library - High lift devices
• boldmethod.com

Author

• 531824 - Creation

Leading Edge Slots And Slats Images

DATE OF SUBMISSION

• 03:59, 10 December 2020

COPYRIGHT

• This documentation is copyrighted as part of the intellectual property of the International Virtual Aviation Organisation.

DISCLAIMER

• The content of this documentation is intended for aviation simulation only and must not be used for real aviation operations.