Leading edge vortex flap for wings

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise the construction of the airfoil for forming a drooped leading edge segment;
• positioning a vortex generating means forward on said drooped leading edge segment for creating a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said leading edge segment;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment by said vortex flow;
• controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment, by drooping said leading edge segment to a predetermined angle-of-deflection for confining the vortex flow region within the forwardly facing surface area of said drooped leading edge segment.

A method for controlling streamline airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil having a chordplane, comprising:

• positioning a double flap comprising a fore-flap and an aft-flap, from the leading edge of said airfoil at a downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• positioning said fore-flap at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap, for generating a vortex airflow circulation in front of said aft-flap;
• triggering separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap by said vortex flow;
• and controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow, downstream chordwise of said double flap, to the upper surface of said airfoil, by confining said vortex flow within the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil having a chordplane, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of the airfoil for forming a movable leading edge segment;
• positioning said leading edge segment at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• connecting a spoiler forward on said leading edge segment;
• positioning said spoiler at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segment, for projecting into the streamwise airflow and creating a vortex circulation airflow on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment, for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• and maintaining said vortex flow region substantially on the forward facing surface area of said leading edge segment, by positioning said spoiler and said leading edge segment, in combination, at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane, for controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said deflected leading edge segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil having a chordplane, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise the leading edge portion of the airfoil for forming a movable leading edge spanwise segment;
• positioning said leading edge spanwise segment at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• mounting a spanwise series of nozzles forward on said leading edge spanwise segment;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said nozzles to produce a vortex circulation airflow on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected leading edge spanwise segment, for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge spanwise segment;
• and controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream of said leading edge spanwise segment, by maintaining said vortex flow region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said leading edge spanwise segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil having a chordplane, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of said airfoil for forming a fore-segment and an aft-segment;
• positioning said aft-segment at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• positioning said fore-segment at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-segment;
• installing a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a spanwise series of nozzles, in the lower portion of the forward facing surface of said aft-segment;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said spanwise series of nozzles in a forward direction onto the upper surface of said fore-segment;
• producing a vortex airflow circulation, by the combined action of said fluid jet spoiler and said deflected fore-segment, on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-segment, to induce separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said aft-segment;
• positioning the combination of said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-segment and aft-segment, at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane for maintaining said vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said aft-segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said aft-segment.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil having a chordplane, comprising:

• said airfoil being constructed with a leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment having a chordplane and being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge segment chordplane, and producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment and said fluid jet spoiler, each being positioned at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane for maintaining said vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said leading edge segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an airfoil having a chordplane, comprising:

• said airfoil comprising a chordwise segmented leading edge portion for forming a movably interconnected fore-segment and aft-segment, leading edge flap;
• said leading edge flap being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• said fore-segment being operatively positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-segment;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles being mounted forward on the upper surface of said aft-segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream from said nozzles at a generally forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler producing a vortex airflow circulation, on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected aft-segment, for inducing separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-segment, each being positioned at a predetermined angle-of-deflection for maintaining said vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said aft-segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said aft-segment.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil having a chordplane, comprising:

• said airfoil comprising a chordwise segmented leading edge portion for forming a movably connected leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• a spoiler member pivotally connected forward on said leading edge segment and being operatively positioned to project above the upper surface of said leading edge segment;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream from said nozzles at a generally forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler and said spoiler member, in combination, producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment, for separating the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment and inducing re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow, to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said deflected leading edge segment.

Apparatus for streamwise airflow control over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and being constructed with a spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• each of said spanwise segments comprising a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• each of said aft-flap segments having a chordplane and being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• and each of said fore-flap segments being positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to the chordplane of each of said aft-flap segments, for creating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segments and for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said aft-flap segments;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said aft-flap segments having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segments and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segments.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow across the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and being constructed with a spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• said leading edge segments being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• means mounted to the forward edge of said leading edge segments for generating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments and for inducing separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge segments having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing into a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments;
• operatively positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• mounting a vortex generating means forward on said downward deflected leading edge segments for creating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments by said vortex flow;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segments in a spanwise outboard direction for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex within the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• a double segment flap having a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment, and beind positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection from the leading edge of said wing;
• said fore-flap segment having its trailing edge hinged to the leading edge of said aft-flap segment and being positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment for producing a vortex airflow circulation in front of said aft-flap segment and for inducing separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said aft-flap segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said double segment flap.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over a swept-back leading edge of a wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• a double segment flap, having a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• said aft-flap segment being mounted from the leading edge of said wing at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• said fore-flap segment having a trailing edge hingedly connected to a leading edge of said aft-flap segment and having a chordplane inclined upwardly relative to a chordplane of said aft-flap segment for creating a vortex flow ahead of said aft-flap segment to induce separation of streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said aft-flap segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said double segment flap.

A method for controlling streamline airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing for housing a spanwise series of movable, double chordwise segment flaps;
• operatively positioning said double chordwise segment flaps, comprising a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment, from the swept-back leading edge of said wing at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• positioning said fore-flap segments at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segments, for generating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segments;
• triggering separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap segments by said vortex flow;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation towards the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said aft-flap segments in a spanwise direction outboard for confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex within the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said double chordwise segment flaps.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over a swept-back leading edge of a wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• a flap mounted from the leading edge of said wing and positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler pivotally connected forward on said flap and positioned to project above the upper surface of said flap for creating a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said flap, to induce separation of streamline airflow;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said flap having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction;
• said spoiler and said flap, being positioned at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially within the region of the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected flap and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said flap.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over a swept-back leading edge of a wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• said wing being segmented chordwise and forming a spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• each leading edge segment being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler retractably mounted forward on each of said leading edge segments and being extendable to an upward angle-of-deflection relative to each of said leading edge segments, for projecting into the streamline airflow and creating a vortex airflow circulation, on the forward facing surface of each of said downward deflected leading edge segments to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge segments having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction;
• said spoilers and said leading edge segments, being positioned at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially within the region of the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of the wing and forming a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments;
• positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• connecting a spanwise series of spoilers forward on said leading edge segments;
• positioning said spoilers at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segments for projecting into the streamwise airflow and creating a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments, for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segments in a spanwise outboard direction;
• positioning said spoilers and said leading edge segments, in combination, at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane, for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially on the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said deflected leading edge segments.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and being constructed with a leading edge segment rotatable about a spanwise hingeline;
• said leading edge segment having a chordplane and being rotatively positioned to a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge segment for blowing a fluid jet stream in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge segment chordplane, and producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially trapped on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment and said fluid jet spoiler, each being positioned at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane for maintaining said vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said leading edge segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of the wing for forming a spanwise series of movable leading edge segements having a chordplane;
• positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• mounting a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a spanwise series of nozzles, forward on said leading edge segments;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said nozzles in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge segment chordplane, and producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segments in a spanwise outboard direction;
• positioning said leading edge segments and said fluid jet spoiler, in combination, at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane, for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially trapped on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and comprisng a chordwise segmented leading edge portion forming a movably interconnected fore and aft segment, leading edge flap;
• said aft-flap segment having a chordplane and being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• said fore-flap segment being operatively positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment chordplane;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on the upper surface of said aft-flap segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward direction and at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment chordplane;
• said fluid jet spoiler in combination with said fore-flap segment, producing a vortex airflow circulation, on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment, for inducing separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge flap having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction;
• said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-flap segment, each being positioned at a predetermined angle-of-deflection for maintaining said vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said aft-flap segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing for forming a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• operatively positioning said aft-flap segment at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• positioning said fore-flap segment at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment;
• installing a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a spanwise series of nozzles in the lower portion of the forward facing surface of said aft-flap segment;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said spanwise series of nozzles in a forward direction onto the upper surface of said fore-flap segment;
• producing a vortex airflow circulation, by the combined action of said fluid jet spoiler and said deflected fore-flap segment, along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said aft-flap segment by said vortex airflow circulation;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said aft-flap segment in a spanwise direction outboard for forming a spanwise tapered aft-flap segment;
• positioning the combination of said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-flap and aft-flap segments, at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane for confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segment.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and comprising a chordwise segmented leading edge portion for forming a movably connected leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler member pivotally connected forward on said leading edge segment and being operatively positioned to project above the upper surface of said leading edge segment;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward direction and at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler and said spoiler member, in combination, producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment, for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction for forming a spanwise tapered leading edge segment;
• said spoiler member and said leading edge segment, being positioned at a predetermined angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially within the region of the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segment and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an aircraft wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• said wing having a spanwise leading edge flap positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• means mounted spanwise along the forward portion of said downward deflected flap for generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surface of said flap to induce separation of the steamline airflow in front of said flap;
• said flap being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining said vortex airflow circulation, in a continuous spanwise fashion, to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected flap;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said flap.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an aircraft wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• said wing having a chordwise segmented leading edge flap forming a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• said aft-flap segment having a chordplane and being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• said fore-flap segment being positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to the chordplane of said aft-flap segment, for generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surface of said aft-flap segment to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge flap;
• said aft-flap segment being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining said vortex airflow circulation, in a continuous spanwise fashion, along the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an aircraft wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing into a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments;
• operatively positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• mounting a vortex generating means forward on said downward deflected leading edge segments for creating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments by said vortex flow;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• positioning said leading edge segments at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an aircraft wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a double leading edge flap forming a fore-flap and an aft-flap;
• said aft-flap being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• said fore-flap being positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap for producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said aft-flap, to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said aft-flap segment being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining said vortex airflow circulation, in a continuous spanwise fashion, to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segment.

A method for controlling streamline airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing for housing a spanwise series of movable, double chordwise segment flaps;
• operatively positioning said double chordwise segment flaps, comprising a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment, from the swept-back leading edge of said wing at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• positioning said fore-flap segments at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segments, for generating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segments;
• triggering separation of the streamline airflow in front of said double chordwise segment flaps by said vortex flow;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• positioning said aft-flap segments at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said double chordwise segment flaps.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over the leading edge of an aircraft wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• a flap mounted from the leading edge of said wing and positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• and a spoiler pivotally connected forward on said flap and positioned to project above the upper surface of said flap for creating a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said flap, to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said flap;
• said flap being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining said vortex airflow circulation to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected flap;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said flap.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over the leading edge of an aircraft wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• said wing being segmented chordwise for forming a movable leading edge segment positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler retractably mounted forward on said leading edge segment and extendable to an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segment, for projecting into the streamline airflow and generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surface of said leading edge segment to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining, in combination with said spoiler, said vortex airflow circulation to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

A method for controlling streamline airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of the wing for forming a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments;
• positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• connecting a spanwise series of spoilers forward on said spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• positioning said spoilers at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segments for projecting into the streamline airflow and generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surfaces of said downward deflected leading edge segments to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• positioning said spoilers and said leading edge segments, in combination, at an increasing angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation substantially on the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said deflected leading edge segments.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of aircraft wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• said wing being constructed with a leading edge spanwise segment;
• said leading edge spanwise segment having a chordplane and being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge spanwise segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge spanwise segment chordplane, and producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge spanwise segment to induce separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge spanwise segment;
• said leading edge spanwise segment being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler, said vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said leading edge spanwise segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge spanwise segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of the wing for forming a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments;
• positioning said leading edge segments, having a chordplane, at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• mounting a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a spanwise series of nozzles, forward on said leading edge segments;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said nozzles in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge segment chordplane for producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments to induce separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• positioning said leading edge segments at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments, and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an aircraft wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• said wing comprising a chordwise segmented leading edge portion for forming a leading edge flap having movably interconnected fore-segment and aft-segment;
• said flap being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• said fore-segment being operatively positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-segment;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles being mounted forward on the upper surface of said aft-segment for blowing a fluid jet stream from said nozzles at a generally forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler in combination with said fore-segment, producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said flap;
• said aft-segment being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-segment, said vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-segment.

A method of controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing for forming a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• operatively positioning said aft-flap segment at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• positioning said fore-flap segment at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment;
• installing a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a series of nozzles spanwise along the lower portion of the forward facing surface of said aft-flap segment;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said spanwise series of nozzles in a forward direction onto the upper surface of said fore-flap segment;
• producing a vortex airflow circulation, by the combined action of said fluid jet spoiler and said deflected fore-flap segment, along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• triggering separating of the streamwise airflow in front of said aft-flap segment by said vortex flow;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• positioning said aft-flap segment at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forwardly facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segment.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and comprising a chordwise segmented swept-back leading edge portion for forming a movably connected swept-back spanwise leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler member pivotally connected forward along said spanwise leading edge segment and being operatively positioned to project above the upper surface of said leading edge segment;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a series of nozzles mounted spanwise along said leading edge segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward direction and at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler, said spoiler member and said leading edge segment, in combination, producing a spanwise flow vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip, on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment, for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining, in combination with said spoiler member and said fluid jet spoiler, a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing into forming a spanwise series of movably connected leading edge segments;
• operatively positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• pivotally connecting a spanwise series of spoiler members forward on said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• positioning said spoilers at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segments for projecting above the upper surface of said leading edge segments and into the streamwise airflow for generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surfaces of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• installing a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a spanwise series of nozzles, at the lower portion of the forward facing surfaces of said leading edge segments;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said spanwise series of nozzles in a forward direction onto the upper surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• producing a vortex airflow circulation, by the combined action of said deflected leading edge segments, said spoiler member and said fluid jet spoiler, along the forward facing surfaces of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments by said vortex airflow circulation;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• positioning said leading edge segments at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation substantially within the region of the forwardly facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an airfoil span having a root section and a tip section, comprising:

• said airfoil span having a chordplane and a leading edge flap positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• means mounted spanwise along the forward portion of said downward deflected flap for generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surface of said flap to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said flap;
• said flap having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction from said root section toward said tip section and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said airfoil chordplane, in said spanwise outboard direction, for confining said vortex airflow circulation, in a continuous spanwise fashion, to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected flap;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said flap.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil span having a chordplane, comprising:

• constructing the leading edge portion of said airfoil span into a movable leading edge segment;
• operatively positioning said leading edge segment at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• mounting a vortex generating means forward on said downward deflected leading edge segment for creating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment by said vortex flow;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segment in a spanwise outboard direction from a root section of said airfoil toward a tip section and positioning said leading edge segment at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said airfoil chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward said airfoil span tip section for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation along the forwardly facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segment;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow across the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and being constructed with a spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• said leading edge segments being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• means mounted to the forward edge of said leading edge segments for generating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments and for inducing separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge segments having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing into a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments;
• operatively positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• mounting a vortex generating means forward on said downward deflected leading edge segments for creating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments by said vortex flow;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segments in a spanwise outboard direction and positioning said leading edge segments at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex within the forwardly facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an airfoil span having a root section and a tip section, comprising:

• said airfoil span having a chordplane and a chordwise segmented leading edge portion comprising a fore-segment and and aft-segment;
• said aft-segment having a chordplane and being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• said fore-segment being positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to the chordplane of said aft-segment for generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surface of said aft-segment, to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-segment;
• said aft-segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction from said root section toward said tip section and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said airfoil chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward said tip section, for confining said vortex airflow circulation, in a continuous spanwise fashion, along the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said aft-segment.

Apparatus for streamwise airflow control over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and being constructed with a spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• each of said spanwise segments comprising a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• each of said aft-flap segments having a chordplane and being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• and each of said fore-flap segments being positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to the chordplane of each of said aft-flap segments, for creating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segments and for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said aft-flap segments;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation towards the wing tip;
• said aft-flap segments having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segments and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segments.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over a swept-back leading edge of a wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• a double segment flap, having a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• said aft-flap segment being mounted from the leading edge of said wing at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• said fore-flap segment having a trailing edge hingedly connected to a leading edge of said aft-flap segment and having a chordplane inclined upwardly relative to a chordplane of said aft-flap segment for creating a vortex flow ahead of said aft-flap segment to induce separation of streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said aft-flap segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said double segment flap.

A method for controlling streamline airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing for housing a spanwise series of movable, double chordwise segment flaps;
• operatively positioning said double chordwise segment flaps, comprising a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment, from the swept-back leading edge of said wing at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• positioning said fore-flap segments at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segments, for generating a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segments;
• triggering separation of the streamline airflow in front of said double chordwise segment flaps by said vortex flow;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• positioning said aft-flap segments at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip and increasing the chord length of said aft-flap segments in a spanwise direction outboard for confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segments;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said double chordwise segment flaps.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over the leading edge of an airfoil span having a root section and a tip section, comprising:

• said airfoil span having a chordplane and a flap mounted from the leading edge of said airfoil span;
• said flap being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• and a spoiler pivotally connected forward on said flap and positioned to project above the upper surface of said flap for creating a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said flap, to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said flap;
• said flap having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction from said root section toward said tip section and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said airfoil chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward said tip section, for confining said vortex airflow circulation to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected flap;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said flap.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over a swept-back leading edge of a wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• a flap mounted from the leading edge of said wing and positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler pivotally connected forward on said flap and positioned to project above the upper surface of said flap for creating a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said flap, to induce separation of streamline airflow;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said flap having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction;
• said flap, being positioned at a predetermined increasing angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially within the region of the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected flap and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said flap.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over the leading edge of an airfoil span having a root section and a tip section, comprising:

• said airfoil span having a chordplane and being segmented chordwise for forming a movable leading edge segment positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• a spoiler retractably mounted forward on said leading edge segment and extendable to an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segment, for projecting into the streamline airflow and generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surface of said leading edge segment to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction from said root section toward said tip section and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said airfoil chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward said tip section, for confining, in combination with said spoiler, said vortex airflow circulation to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

Apparatus for controlling separation of streamline airflow over a swept-back leading edge of a wing having a chordplane, comprising:

• said wing being segmented chordwise and forming a spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• each leading edge segment being positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler retractably mounted forward on each of said leading edge segments and being extendable to an upward angle-of-deflection relative to each of said leading edge segments, for projecting into the streamline airflow and creating a vortex airflow circulation, on the forward facing surface of each of said downward deflected leading edge segments to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge segments having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction and being positioned at a predetermined increasing angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially within the region of the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

A method for controlling streamline airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of the wing for forming a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments;
• positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• connecting a spanwise series of spoilers forward on said spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• positioning said spoilers at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segments for projecting into the streamline airflow and generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surfaces of said downward deflected leading edge segments to induce separation of the streamline airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segments in a spanwise outboard direction and positioning said leading edge segments at a predetermined increasing angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially on the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said deflected leading edge segments.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of an airfoil span having a root section and a tip section, comprising:

• said airfoil span having a chordplane and being constructed with a leading edge spanwise segment;
• said leading edge spanwise segment having a chordplane and being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge spanwise segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge spanwise segment chordplane, and producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge spanwise segment to induce separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge spanwise segment;
• said leading edge spanwise segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction from said root section toward said tip section and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said airfoil chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward said tip section, for confining, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler, said vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said leading edge spanwise segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said leading edge spanwise segment.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and being constructed with a leading edge segment rotatable about a spanwise hingeline;
• said leading edge segment having a chordplane and being rotatively positioned to a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge segment for blowing a fluid jet stream in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge segment chordplane, and producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation towards the wing tip;
• said leading edge segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction and being positioned at a predetermined increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler, a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation substantially trapped on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise a leading edge portion of the wing for forming a spanwise series of movable leading edge segments having a chordplane;
• positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• mounting a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a spanwise series of nozzles, forward on said leading edge segments;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said nozzles in a generally forward and upward direction relative to said leading edge segment chordplane, and producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segments in a spanwise outboard direction and positioning said leading edge segments at a predetermined increasing angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler, a conically expanding spanwise vortex substantially trapped on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of an airfoil span having a root section and a tip section comprising:

• said airfoil span having a chordplane and comprising a chordwise segmented leading edge portion for forming a leading edge flap having movably interconnected fore-segment and aft-segment;
• said flap being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said airfoil chordplane;
• said fore-segment being operatively positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-segment;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles being mounted forward on the upper surface of said aft-segment for blowing a fluid jet stream from said nozzles at a generally forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler in combination with said fore-segment, producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said flap;
• said aft-segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction from said root section toward said tip section and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said airfoil chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward said tip section, for confining, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-segment, said vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said airfoil, downstream chordwise of said aft-segment.

Apparatus for streamline airflow control over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and comprising a chordwise segmented leading edge portion forming a movably interconnected fore and aft-segment, leading edge flap;
• said aft-flap segment having a chordplane and being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• said fore-flap segment being operatively positioned at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment chordplane;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on the upper surface of said aft-flap segment for blowing a pressurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward direction and at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment chordplane;
• said fluid jet spoiler in combination with said fore-flap segment, producing a vortex airflow circulation, on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment, for inducing separation of the streamline airflow in front of said aft-flap segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation towards the wing tip;
• said aft-flap segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction and being positioned at a predetermined increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for containing, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-flap segment, a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation substantially trapped on the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment and the thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamline airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• segmenting chordwise the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing for forming a fore-flap segment and an aft-flap segment;
• operatively positioning said aft-flap segment at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• positioning said fore-flap segment at a forward and upward angle-of-deflection relative to said aft-flap segment;
• installing a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a series of nozzles, spanwise along the lower portion of the forward facing surface of said aft-flap segment;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said spanwise series of nozzles in a forward direction onto the upper surface of said fore-flap segment;
• producing a vortex airflow circulation, by the combined action of said fluid jet spoiler and said deflected fore-flap segment, along the forward facing surface of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said aft-flap segment by said vortex airflow circulation;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation towards the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said aft-flap segment in a spanwise direction outboard for forming a spanwise tapered aft-flap segment and positioning said aft-flap segment at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining, in combination with said fluid jet spoiler and said fore-flap segment, a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected aft-flap segment;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said aft-flap segment.

Apparatus for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• said wing having a chordplane and comprising a chordwise segmented leading edge portion for forming a movably connected leading edge segment;
• said leading edge segment being operatively positioned at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• a spoiler member pivotally connected forward on said leading edge segment and being operatively positioned to project above the upper surface of said leading edge segment;
• a fluid jet spoiler comprising a spanwise series of nozzles mounted forward on said leading edge segment for blowing a presurized fluid jet stream in a generally forward direction and at an upward angle-of-deflection relative to said leading edge segment;
• said fluid jet spoiler and said spoiler member, in combination, producing a vortex airflow circulation on the forward facing upper surface of said downward deflected leading edge segment, for inducing separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segment;
• said swept-back wing leading edge producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip;
• said leading edge segment having an increase in chord length in a spanwise outboard direction for forming a spanwise tapered leading edge segment and being positioned at an increasing angle-of-deflection, relative to said wing chordplane, at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip for confining, in combination with said spoiler member and said fluid jet spoiler, a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation to the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segment;
• and thereby controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segment.

A method for controlling streamwise airflow over the upper surface of a wing having a chordplane and a swept-back leading edge, comprising:

• constructing the swept-back leading edge portion of said wing into forming a spanwise series of leading edge segments;
• operatively positioning said leading edge segments at a forward and downward angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane;
• pivotally connecting a spoiler member forward on each of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• positioning said spoiler members to project above the upper surface of said leading edge segments and into the streamwise airflow for generating a vortex airflow circulation spanwise along the forward facing surfaces of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• installing a fluid jet spoiler, comprising a spanwise series of nozzles, at the lower portion of the forward facing surface of each of said leading edge segments;
• blowing a fluid jet stream from said spanwise series of nozzles in a forward direction for producing, in combination with said spoiler members and said deflected leading edge segments, a vortex airflow circulation along the forward facing surfaces of said downward deflected leading edge segments;
• triggering separation of the streamwise airflow in front of said leading edge segments by said vortex airflow circulation;
• producing a spanwise flow of said vortex airflow circulation toward the wing tip by the degree of sweep-back of said wing leading edge;
• increasing the chord length of said leading edge segments in a spanwise outboard direction for forming a series of spanwise tapered leading edge segments;
• positioning said leading edge segments at an increasing angle-of-deflection relative to said wing chordplane at spanwise stations proceeding outboard toward the wing tip;
• confining a conically expanding spanwise vortex airflow circulation in a region substantially within the forward facing surface area of said downward deflected leading edge segments by the combined action of said deflected leading edge segments, said spoiler members and said fluid jet spoilers;
• and thereby, controlling re-attachment of said separated streamwise airflow to the upper surface of said wing, downstream chordwise of said leading edge segments.