Krueger flaps

In the Krueger flap (English: leading edge flaps, rare Kruger flap, bearing in mind that "leading edge flaps" a Kippnase called ) is, to an aerodynamic aids on a wing of an aircraft, which improves the slow flight characteristics. It belongs to the buoyancy aids.

The Krueger flap was developed in 1943 by the German aerospace engineer Werner Kruger and January 12, 1944 by the Aerodynamic Research Institute Göttingen ( AVA) applied for a patent. First application of a nose flap was carried out on 1952, at the Handley Page HP80 Victor, who wore a crescent wing. However, it was developed by Ludwig Bölkow Kippnase (DRP 496 916 of 3 August 1939).

It is located on the front wing under surface, and is comparable in its effect with a slat, but in the execution easier. The two buoyancy aids also be combined. Another form of the Krueger flap is used for example in airplanes of the type Airbus A300 and A310. These machines have next slat small Krueger flaps near to the fuselage. This is used here to a clean aerodynamic transition between the actual Leading Edge Slat and produce the fuselage.

When Kruger Slat (eg Boeing 747 on the middle and outer wing ) exists between the flap and the main wing, a through-flow gap as in Slat ( slats ), while the classic Kruger (eg Boeing 747 on the inner wing ) seals to the main wing towards. This version had conjured up a dispute in the course of their U.S. patenting in the Kruger also took a stand.

By Krueger flaps increase lift coefficient and wing area and the stall speed ( stall speed ) is lower.

The non-use of Krueger flap as a buoyancy aid has left on November 20, 1974 crash of a Boeing 747 ( flight LH540 Deutsche Lufthansa).

• Aeronautical engineering