Which term represents devices placed along the leading edge to increase wing surface area?

Which term represents devices placed along the leading edge to increase wing surface area?

• A. Slats
• B. Wings
• C. Airfoil
• D. Elevators

Answer: (A)

Leading-edge slats are devices placed along the front edge of the wing that extend to increase the wing’s effective surface area and camber. When deployed, they create a slot between the slat and the wing, which speeds the airflow through that gap and re-energizes the boundary layer. This helps keep the airflow attached at higher angles of attack, delaying stall and boosting lift at slower speeds—precisely what is needed during takeoff and landing. The other terms don’t describe this leading-edge enhancement: the wing is the entire lifting surface, the airfoil is the wing’s cross-sectional shape, and elevators are tail surfaces used to control pitch.

Leading-edge slats are devices placed along the front edge of the wing that extend to increase the wing’s effective surface area and camber. When deployed, they create a slot between the slat and the wing, which speeds the airflow through that gap and re-energizes the boundary layer. This helps keep the airflow attached at higher angles of attack, delaying stall and boosting lift at slower speeds—precisely what is needed during takeoff and landing. The other terms don’t describe this leading-edge enhancement: the wing is the entire lifting surface, the airfoil is the wing’s cross-sectional shape, and elevators are tail surfaces used to control pitch.