Abstract: In modern thin wing aircraft flow separation at high incidence may originate at the leading edge. This invention combats the problem by restricting the growth of the region of separated flow by re-energizing the boundary flow downstream of reattachment line (7). It utilizes upper surface grooves (8 and 9) extending rearwardly from the leading edge (5) of the wing. The grooves (8 and 9) have a width at opening in the range 0.05 to 1.0 percent of the aerofoil span and length in the range 1 to 20 percent of the local chord length. Spanwise flow across the grooves causes vortex formation which produces the desired effect without significant drag penalty. In swept wings the grooves are parallel to chord. In straight or forward swept wings the grooves are inclined. The wing includes several grooves each acting as a barrier to growth of flow separation until swallowed within the separated flow.

Abstract: On an aircraft having spoilers on the wing, the spoilers are converted, according to this invention, following the ACT philosophy, for use in countering gust effects. Accordingly, a sensor of gusts is arranged to transmit warning of the arrival of a significant gust to a spoiler operator which, taking into account airspeed, deploys the spoilers in a mode so that a phase of spoiler generated lift decrement is timed to coincide with effective arrival of the gust.