Research into a novel high-lift device is being funded by a ground-breaking grant from the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's (AOPA) Air Safety Foundation. The research grant has been awarded to Wichita State University in Kansas to conduct computational fluid-dynamic analysis and windtunnel testing to validate the "Nahas wing" invented by surgeon Dr Roger Nahas.
The device is described as a second, or "biplane", lifting surface, which drops down from the wing on a scissors mechanism. Like other high-lift devices, the Nahas wing reduces approach speed, but it is simpler than leading-edge slats or Fowler flaps, AOPA says.
The Foundation is interested in the device's potential to improve general-aviation safety by increasing landing performance and accident survivability, noting that "bungled" approaches are the third-most-common leading cause of fatal accidents. Some 60% of approach accidents result in fatalities, it says. The grant to Wichita State will be used to study the practicality of the Nahas wing. The Foundation is now looking to sponsor similar projects which have the potential to improve safety and pilot proficiency.
Source: Flight International
