What is the primary purpose of flaps on aircraft wings?

The primary purpose of flaps on aircraft wings is to increase lift during critical phases of flight, specifically takeoff and landing. Flaps achieve this by changing the wing's camber and increasing its surface area, which enhances the airflow over the wings and allows for greater lift at lower speeds. This is essential for enabling safe operations at slower velocities during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is most vulnerable.

While fuel management, structural support, and stabilization are important aspects of aircraft design, they are not the primary function of flaps. Fuel management pertains to the efficient use and distribution of fuel, structural support relates to maintaining the integrity and strength of the aircraft, and stabilization typically involves control surfaces like ailerons and stabilizers. Flaps are specifically designed to assist with lift generation, thus making them crucial for the safe operation of an aircraft during takeoff and landing phases, when lift is paramount.