Rather than slats, the new-concept wing has a leading edge that changes shape internally, “drooping” to a higher-lift airfoil configuration without the drag and noise of leading edge slats.

These leading edge slats provide the lift necessary at low speeds, with the gap between the wing and the slats directing air from the underside of the wing to the top. Unfortunately, this gap also ...

Loss of thermal protection panels may have led to break-up, but cause is still unknown Aerodynamic analysis is leading investigators to suspect that loss or failure of thermal-protection panels on ...

Another theory on how debris impact at launch may have doomed the shuttle Columbia: corrosion on the leading edge of the left wing. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site ...

Slats are moveable panels on the front or leading edge of the wing and are used during takeoffs and landings. Chicago-based United did not say what caused the damage which left pieces of the slat ...

Investigators believe temperatures inside the Space Shuttle Columbia's left wheel well exceeded 1,650¡C (3,000¡F) as superheated air entered from a breach at or near the wing leading edge. Hot ...

Credit: Clinton Tanner, “The Effect of Wing Leading-Edge Contamination on the Stall Characteristics of Aircraft. ” ... In Part 2, we’ll discuss leading-edge stall.