This critical structural section splits the airflow over and under the wing, generating lift. Its shape heavily dictates the stall characteristics and aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft at different speeds. It often houses anti-icing equipment and high-lift devices like slats or Krueger flaps to improve low-speed handling.
Maintenance found a severe bird strike dent right on the leading edge of the left wing.
On swept-wing aircraft, damage to the leading edge is particularly dangerous because it can disrupt the airflow and cause asymmetric lift.
Do not mix it up with
- Trailing edge: The leading edge is the front of the wing that hits the air first, whereas the trailing edge is the rear where the airflow rejoins.
Related terms
Trailing edge
The rearmost margin of an airfoil where the upper and lower airflows rejoin.
Slat
An aerodynamic surface on the leading edge of a wing that extends to increase lift at low speeds.
Krueger flap
A hinged lift-enhancement device mounted on the lower surface of an aircraft wing's leading edge.
Foil
A clipped term for an airfoil, a curved surface designed to generate lift.