A leading-edge cuff is a fixed aerodynamic wing device employed on fixed-wing aircraft to improve the stall and spin characteristics. Cuffs may be either factory-designed or an after-market add-on modification.[1]
A leading-edge cuff is a wing leading-edge modification, usually a lightly drooped outboard leading-edge extension. In most cases of outboard leading-edge modification, the wing cuff starts about 50–70% half-span and spans the outer leading edge of the wing.[2]
The main goal is to produce a more gradual and gentler stall onset, without any spin departure tendency, particularly where the original wing has a sharp/asymmetric stall behaviour [1][3] with a passive, non-moving, low-cost device that would have a minimal impact on performance. A further benefit is to lowering stall speed, with lower approach speeds and shorter landing distances. They may also, depending on cuff location, improve aileron control at low speed.
- ^ a b Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 144. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. ISBN 1-56027-287-2
- ^ Location referred to half-span : Beech C23 0.54, Piper PA-28 0.55, Yankee AA-1 0.57, Cirrus SR20 0.61, Lancair 300 0.66, Questair Venture 0.70, Cessna 172 0.71 - according to SAE TP 2000-01-1691, page 14
- ^ Cox, Jack (November 1988). "Questair Venture, Part Two". Retrieved 8 August 2009.