While flying on a 777 I noticed a series of what appeared to be small
fences close to the leading edge of the wing. Can anyone tell me their
purpose?

RM Do a Google for Vortex Generators.

RM From Wikipedia:
RM Vortex generators are likely to be found on the external surfaces of
RM vehicles where flow separation is a potential problem because vortex
RM generators delay flow separation. [3] On aircraft they are installed
RM on the
RM leading edge of a wing in order to maintain steady airflow over the
RM control
RM surfaces at the rear of the wing.[2] They are typically rectangular
RM or
RM triangular, tall enough to protrude above the boundary layer, and
RM run in
RM spanwise lines near the thickest part of the wing.[1] They can be
RM seen on
RM the wings and vertical tails of many airliners. Vortex generators
RM are
RM positioned in such a way that they have an angle of attack with
RM respect to
RM the local airflow.

RM Bob Moore

Thanks for the info, Bob. We live and learn. ;-)

Indrek Aavisto


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