Krueger flaps

Krueger flaps
Krueger flaps deployed from the leading edge of a Boeing 747

Krueger flaps are lift enhancement devices that may be fitted to the leading edge of an aircraft wing. Unlike slats or drooped leading edges, the main wing upper surface and its nose is not changed. Instead, a portion of the lower wing is rotated out in front of the main wing leading edge.

Contents

Operation

While the aerodynamic effect of Krueger flaps is similar to that of slats or slots, they are deployed differently. Krueger flaps, hinged at their leading edges, hinge forwards from the under surface of the wing, increasing the wing camber and maximum coefficient of lift.[1] Conversely, slats extend forwards from the upper surface of the leading edge.

The Krueger flaps developed for the Boeing 747 were constructed from fiberglass honeycomb material and were designed to be intentionally distorted into an aerofoil section on deployment.[2]

History

Invented by Werner Krüger in 1943 and evaluated in the wind tunnels in Goettingen, Germany[3] but one of its earliest uses wasn't until the Boeing 367-80 in 1954.

See also

References

Notes

  1. ^ Gary V. Bristow (2002). Ace the Technical Pilot Interview. McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 0071396098. http://books.google.com/books?id=aGL035btsg4C. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
  2. ^ Taylor 1990, p. 114.
  3. ^ from German wiki page on Krüger flaps @ http://wikipedia.qwika.com/de2en/Kr%C3%BCgerklappe (accessed Oct 18, 2011)

Bibliography

  • Taylor, John W.R. The Lore of Flight, London: Universal Books Ltd., 1990. ISBN 0-9509620-15.
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