Leading edge

For other uses, see Leading edge (disambiguation).

Cross section of an aerodynamic surface with the leading edge emphasised
American Aviation AA-1 Yankee showing the wing's straight leading edge
The leading edge of the Buran space shuttle transported to the Technik Museum Speyer

The leading edge is the part of the wing that first contacts the air;[1][2] alternatively it is the foremost edge of an airfoil section.[3] The first is an aerodynamic definition, the second a structural one. As an example of the distinction, during a tailslide, from an aerodynamic point of view, the trailing edge becomes the leading edge and vice versa but from a structural point of view the leading edge remains unchanged.

  1. ^ Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 176. ISBN 9780850451634.
  2. ^ Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 305. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. ISBN 1-56027-287-2
  3. ^ Kumar, Bharat (2005). An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation. New York: McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-07-139606-3.