Wing and Tail Mods: Fighting the War on Drag

Posted on January 21, 2020 Michael Rodriguez Aircraft Parts

Most aircraft modifications are designed with two goals in mind, to increase aerodynamics and reduce drag. There are three types of harmful aircraft drag that aircraft modifications aim to resolve: skin drag, form drag and interference drag. Skin drag is any part of the surface of an aircraft, form drag is drag caused by the shape of an aircraft, and interference drag is how air interacts with other parts and pockets of air surrounding the aircraft at any point of flight. Reduced aircraft drag has an array of positive benefits such as reduced fuel consumption, larger operational range, greater endurance and higher achievable speeds. Benefits like these motivate aerospace engineers and aircraft manufacturers to create new and useful wing and tail mods that fight against drag resistance and produce the most aerodynamic aircraft the world has ever seen.

With this said, we kick off our list of wing and air modification descriptions starting with the gap seal kit. A gap seal kit is made up of aluminum strips that minimize air leakage between the rear wing spar and aileron. Ailerons are located at the trailing edge of an aircraft wing and are used to bank or turn a plane. Unlike most kits, this kit seals both the upper and lower gap for maximum aerodynamic capabilities.

Another aircraft wing and tail modification is the fairing. A fairing is a structure whose simple function is to create a smooth cover surface for airflow optimization; this includes covering landing gear, gaps, seams, and just about anything that would congest a smooth flow of air over and under an aircraft. Wing and tail mods include the wingtip fairing, the flap hinge fairing, the wing root leading edge fairing, the wing fillet and the tail fin cap fairing. All fairings essentially give the same result, covering or smoothing an aircraft’s body for reduced wind resistance.

Vortex generator modifications do the opposite by manipulating airflow. These modifications use angled plates that cause air flow to swirl, creating a vortex behind it that sucks down an otherwise horizontal air flow trajectory passing over a curved wing. This allows air to remain “attached” to the wing longer and prevent downstream flow separation that would hinder a wing’s aerodynamics.

At ASAP Parts Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find the wing and tail mods parts you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asappartsunlimited.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.