"John R Weiss" wrote in message
news:9WYLb.15782$na.12393@attbi_s04...
"Ed Rasimus" 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.

There are powered examples as well, such as the A-6 and EA-6B.


Some leading and trailing edge flaps are "slotted" meaning they create
a gap in the airfoil when extended.

There are all sorts of variations including Krueger flaps, Fowler
flaps, "BLC" (boundary layer control) blown flaps, flaperons that
combine both flap and aileron functions, and spoilers which disrupt
airflow across the top of the wing to reduce lift/increase drag.

Just so there is no confusion, flaperons and spoilers are not [normally]
used as
leading edge devices.

It may be a matter of semantics on different airplanes types, but
"flaperons" as
used by Grumman on the A-6 and EA-6B serve as spoilers and ailerons, but
NOT as
flaps.

I like the B-52 contrast in tail heights as an excellnt demonstration of the
advantages of spoilers as a control surface, as opposed to the speed brake
configuration.