The inflatable wing leading edge will increase the CLmax of the wing, increase the angle of attack for maximum lift, and broaden the peak for maximum CL . This will reduce the stall speed, shorten the take-off and landing distance, and help to prevent and perhaps even eliminate stall accidents in GA aircraft. When combined with the deicing system, it will provide increased utility and safety and at a lower cost than two separate systems. The objective is to show that an inflatable wing leading edge can be combined in a practical way with a pneumatic deicing system and that the technologies are available, or can be readily developed, for successful application to GA aircraft. Research includes theoretical shape development using the Eppler Airfoil Code, inflation research based on prior work at BFGoodrich, 2-D wind tunnel tests and determination if the objective can be met and the goal of increasing CLmax 25% flaps up and 33% flaps down achieved. The icing tests and flight test in Phase II will provide confirmation, a technology base, and assurance for proceeding with commercialization. Application to GA aircraft should increase their utility and safety and help to revive and expand the role of GA.
Potential Commercial Applications:First applications would be to retrofit with kits existing single and twin engine GA designs in the field and/or factory. Later, corporate and commuter turboprop aircraft would be included. The application to new GA aircraft designs would be even more desirable, because here the inflatable leading edge could be integrated with the wing design and fabrication to provide laminar flow in cruise.
