Leading edge: Difference between revisions
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The leading edge may be equipped with one or more of the following: |
The leading edge may be equipped with one or more of the following: |
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* [[Leading edge cuff]]s |
* [[Leading edge cuff]]s |
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* [[Leading edge extension]]s |
* [[Leading edge extension]]s |
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* [[Leading edge slats]] |
* [[Leading edge slats]] |
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* [[Leading edge slot]]s |
* [[Leading edge slot]]s |
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* [[Krueger flap]]s |
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* [[Stall strips]] |
* [[Stall strips]] |
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* [[Vortex generator]]s. |
* [[Vortex generator]]s. |
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Revision as of 20:23, 13 October 2009
The leading edge is the part of the wing that first contacts the air.[1]
During a tailslide, from an aerodynamic point-of-view, the trailing edge becomes the leading edge and vice-versa.
The leading edge may be equipped with one or more of the following:
- Leading edge cuffs
- Leading edge extensions
- Leading edge slats
- Leading edge slots
- Krueger flaps
- Stall strips
- Vortex generators.
The leading edge of a wing can be perpendicular to the airflow, in which case it is called a straight wing. If it meets the airflow at an angle it is referred to as a swept wing. Some aircraft, like the General Dynamics F-111, have moving wings which are referred to as swing wings.
In high-speed aircraft (such as the Space Shuttle), air friction can cause extreme heating of the leading edge. This was the cause of the accident of the Space Shuttle Columbia during re-entry on February 1, 2003. The accident was preceded by a small amount of damage to the RCC tiles on the leading edge, which occurred during take-off.
References
- ^ Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 305. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. ISBN 1-56027-287-2