What do leading edge slats primarily do?

Leading edge slats are aerodynamic devices that are attached to the front, or leading edge, of an aircraft wing. Their primary function is to enhance the lift characteristics of the wing, particularly during low-speed flight scenarios, such as takeoff and landing. When deployed, slats create a specific airflow pattern that helps to prevent airflow from separating from the wing surface. This is crucial because airflow separation can lead to a stall, which severely reduces lift.

By maintaining attached airflow over a greater range of angles of attack, leading edge slats enable the wing to achieve higher lift at slower speeds. This additional lift is essential for providing better control and safety during critical phases of flight when the aircraft operates at lower speeds.

In contrast, while leading edge slats can introduce additional drag as a byproduct of their lift-enhancing capabilities, their primary purpose is to increase lift, making them vital components for optimizing the performance of an aircraft during takeoff and landing.