Chord-wise variable vortex generator

A rotorcraft comprising:

• an airfoil-shaped body;
• and
• a chordwise variable vortex generation system associated with the airfoil-shaped body, the chordwise variable vortex generation system controlling a deployment of at least one vortex generator on a surface of the airfoil-shaped body, wherein the deployment of the at least one vortex generator is dependent on a current angle of attack of the airfoil-shaped body;
• wherein the at least one vortex generator is configured to move closer to a leading edge of the airfoil-shaped body as the angle of attack of the airfoil-shaped body increases and the at least one vortex generator is configured to move closer to a trailing edge of the airfoil-shaped body as the angle of attack of the airfoil-shaped body decreases.

An apparatus comprising:

• an airfoil-shaped body;
• and
• a chordwise variable vortex generation system associated with the airfoil-shaped body, the chordwise variable vortex generation system controlling a deployment of at least one vortex generator on a surface of the airfoil-shaped body, wherein the deployment of the at least one vortex generator is dependent on a current angle of attack of the airfoil-shaped body;
• wherein the chordwise variable vortex generation system comprises a set of vortex generators disposed in a line along the surface of the airfoil-shaped body between a leading edge of the airfoil-shaped body and a trailing edge of the airfoil-shaped body, wherein only one vortex generator of the set of vortex generators comprises an active vortex generator and the remaining vortex generators of the set of the vortex generators each comprise an inactive vortex generator;
• and
• wherein the active vortex generator is configured to extend from the surface of the airfoil-shaped body and each inactive vortex generator is configured to lie flush with the surface of the airfoil-shaped body or be retracted within an interior of the airfoil-shaped body.