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). In this picture, the slats are extended.]] ''Storch'' had permanently extended slats on its leading edges (Fixed Slats).]] Types include:
The Chord of the slat is typically only a few percent of the wing chord. They may extend over the outer third of the wing or may cover the entire leading edge. Slats work by increasing the camber of the wing, and also by opening a small gap (the slot) between the slat and the wing leading edge, allowing a small amount of high-pressure air from the lower surface to reach the upper surface, where it helps postpone the stall. The slat has a counterpart found in the wings of some Birds , the Alula – a feather or group of feathers which the bird can extend under control of its "thumb". HISTORY Slats were first developed by Handley-Page in 1919 ; licensing the design became one of their major sources of Income in the 1920s . The original designs were in the form of a fixed slot in the front of the wing, a design that was found on a number of STOL aircraft. During World War II German aircraft commonly fitted a more advanced version that pushed back flush against the wing by Air Pressure to reduce Drag , popping out on springs when the airflow decreased during slower flight. However, the most famous slats of that time belonged to the german Fieseler Fi 156 ''Storch'', and were always extended (fixed). Those slats allowed this aircraft to take off into a light wind in less than 45 m (150 ft), and land in 18 m (60 ft). In the post-war era slats have generally been Hydraulically or Electrically operated, allowing for more complex and efficient designs. Slats is also a slang term for ribs. Today slats are generally one of several High-lift Device s used on Airliner s, complex Flap systems running along the trailing edge of the wing as well. SEE ALSO: |
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