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Old 10-27-2003 | 08:29 PM
  #9  
acropilot_ty
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Dana point, CA
Default RE: Leading Edge Slots

I did a lot of experiments with leading edge slots on a Balsa USA stick 40... the plane was able to fly at angles of attack in excess of 30 degrees, stall speed was reduced dramatically.. the slots just about double Cl max for the airfoil section. The only problems I encountered were controlability issues at such a high angle of attack, and high power setting.. the solution was to add vertical fin area under the horizontal stabilizers. I was also involved with a wind tunnel experiment on several different leading edge high lift devices... the slots were the most effective. The wind tunnel model (a J-3 cub with a clark y airfoil) could not be set at an agle of attack greater than about 50 degrees, at that angle the tufts on the upper surface were showing about 80-90% of the boundary layer was still attached.

Your plans look good for geometry.

Good luck, the stick was an absolute blast to fly with those slots.

Ty