On Sun, 11 Jan 2004 06:05:28 -0600, "John Carrier"
wrote:

Slats are typically UN-powered devices on the leading edge that extend
simply by the reduced dynamic pressure against them as airspeed slows.
Example would be the leading edge extensions of the F-86 and F-100.

I wouldn't agree with "typically." Aero slats also extend when a certain
AOA is achieved ... the A-4 slats would extend at approximately 12 units AOA
(IIRC) and bringing them out symmetrically at higher airspeeds was not a
sure thing.

"How many angels (angles?) can dance on the head of a pin?" My use of
"typically" referred to the "un-powered", i.e. hydraulically or
electrically actuated/operated aspect. And, the examples (F-86 and
F-100) were aerodynamic, not mechanical. It, hopefully, recognized
that slats can be mechanically operated.

If they extend when airpressure is reduced as airspeed slows, then it
would be redundant to add "also when a certain AOA is achieved"
because that is the inevitable, inexorable, undeniable result of
slowing.

Gotta believe that the assymetric deployment even intermittently would
be exciting.

Really, the discussion of the wide range of wing-modifying devices
that have been employed over the years is amazing.



Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8