This is one of the
most important parts of the aircraft. While the engines provide thrust,
the wings provide lift and stability.
The wing, depending on
the aircraft type, has moving parts as the ground spoilers, flight
spoilers, leading edge, and trailing edge.
The leading edge
devices are control surfaces on the forward of the wing. Known as the
Krueger flap, they work together with the trailing edge flaps to provide
additional lift for takeoff, and additional lift and drag for landing.
The leading edge
devices are normally controlled by feedback from the trailing edge
flaps, which in turn are controlled by the flap lever in the cockpit.
Essentially, the wing
increases or decreases its surface to provide lift when the flaps are
extended or retracted. This motion is operated with the aid of two to
three position hydraulic actuators depending on the wing configuration.
The graphic examples
illustrated in this page show some examples of the flap configurations
and the main components of the wing.