Leading-edge slats on a high-performance aircraft wing prevent flow separation at high angles of attack primarily by:

(A) Energizing the upper-surface boundary layer through a high-momentum convergent slot flow

(B) Decreasing the critical Mach number of the airfoil section

(C) Inducing early turbulent boundary layer separation ahead of the slat

(D) Eliminating circulation around the main airfoil element

Answer Key:

A

### Solution: Leading-edge slats create a convergent slot that channels high-pressure air from beneath the wing onto the upper surface, injecting kinetic energy into the boundary layer and delaying stall to much higher angles of attack. Correct: A.

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