Flügelklappen

Flügelklappen, often translated as wing flaps or simply flaps, are control surfaces on the trailing edge of an aircraft's wings. They are used to increase lift and drag, particularly at lower speeds. When extended, flaps increase the wing's camber and surface area, allowing the aircraft to fly at higher angles of attack before stalling. This capability is crucial for takeoff and landing, enabling shorter runway requirements and slower approach speeds for improved control.

There are several types of flaps, each offering a different degree of lift and drag augmentation. Plain flaps are the simplest, acting like a hinged section of the wing. Split flaps are attached to the underside of the wing and only move downwards, increasing drag significantly. Slotted flaps incorporate a gap or slot between the flap and the wing, which allows airflow to remain attached to the upper surface of the flap at higher deflections, providing more efficient lift generation. Fowler flaps are an extension of slotted flaps, sliding backward as they extend downwards, thereby increasing both the wing's camber and its chord length.

The pilot controls the deployment and retraction of flaps using a lever in the cockpit. Different flap settings are recommended for various flight phases, with smaller deflections typically used for takeoff and larger deflections for landing. Improper use or failure of flaps can critically affect an aircraft's performance, making them a vital component of flight control systems.