page_title: Leading-edge extension
section_title: Leading–edge slat
hierarchical_section_title: Leading-edge extension / Leading–edge slat
caption_attribution_description: English: Air France Airbus A318-100 (F-GUGJ) lands at London Heathrow Airport, England.
context_page_description: A leading-edge extension is a small extension to an aircraft wing surface, forward of the leading edge. The primary reason for adding an extension is to improve the airflow at high angles of attack and low airspeeds, to improve handling and delay the stall. A dog tooth can also improve airflow and reduce drag at higher speeds.
context_section_description: A leading-edge slat is an aerodynamic surface running spanwise just ahead of the wing leading edge. It creates a leading edge slot between the slat and wing which directs air over the wing surface, helping to maintain smooth airflow at low speeds and high angles of attack. This delays the stall, allowing the aircraft to fly at a higher angle of attack. Slats may be made fixed, or retractable in normal flight to minimize drag.
caption: Leading-edge slats deployed on an Airbus A318-100
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