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Introduction
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.
Leading edge devices are great instruments to increase the critical angle
! of attack and, therefore, delay the stall.
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.
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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.
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, 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.
Cuffs
▸ Aeroplane controls
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