Fowler flap extention effect on Max Endurance?
Fowler flap extention effect on Max Endurance?
(OP)
I'm trying to find out what type of effect there will be on the Max endurance of a turbo prop aircraft if fowler flaps are extended? I know from experience in a L-13 glider that sink rate can be decreased thus increasing the glide endurance but I'm not sure if this at all translates to a prop aircraft. I've read that the desired effect is to minimize the power required, and that is dependent on the total drag (i.e. thrust required) times the velocity. I've also read that by lowing the flaps you are reducing the induced drag and increase the parasitic drag resulting in the total drag curve moving up and to the left. I know that fowler flaps provide the greatest increase in lift for the increase in drag. The inherent question is, is it possible to move the curve enough to the left and not up too much that the result is a net decrease in power required?????
Please help me out and correct me on what I may have wrong (which I'm sure is something.)
Thanks
-Mike
Please help me out and correct me on what I may have wrong (which I'm sure is something.)
Thanks
-Mike





RE: Fowler flap extention effect on Max Endurance?
the trade-off would be the higher Cl would allow a slower airspeed and a lower fuel consumption.
FWIW, i don't think there's much in it.
RE: Fowler flap extention effect on Max Endurance?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Fowler flap extention effect on Max Endurance?
Of course, the aircraft is now operating outside it's certified configuration, but what the heck?
The problem came to light, after a TWA 727 got a bit "squirrelly" during the "adjustment" of the flaps, & nearly crashed. A debriefing led to the discovery that the "technique" was well known among the 727 guys, all over the industry.
Here's an old NTSB link:
ht