Slats
I know this thread is dated but the question is still relevant in 2022. The research ive done hasn’t been definitive, aerodynamic studies and the science of the concept in full size is proven but on models it seems to come down to the model type, performance envelope, weights etc.
To properly test what I believe will be a beneficial modification to my F-16 I am going to do a series of test flights with slats fixed in various positions (fixed in place no servo) to determine benefits in various phases, the only configuration I can’t test this way is reflexed slats which I do plan to incorporate but I’ll have to wait until the system is operational (pending test results) to test that.
I fully expect a marked effect on stall speed, approach speeds and angles, manoeuvrability and take off and landing distance, the reflex I expect will give me better speed and being able to go from reflexed to fully extended should give me greater control over manoeuvrability. All of this subject to tests and I’m also waiting on some very specific wing servos which are the only type I trust on a single servo jet slat system (1 per wing) the slats, like that ofthe full size run nearly 90% of the span and will deflect 40, 20 & -10 degrees