When researching leading-edge extensions, you may come across dogtooth extensions. The leading edge of an airplane’s wings typically isn’t straight. Instead, it has several extensions, such as a slat and dogtooth extension.
Overview of Dogtooth Extensions
A dogtooth extension is a small but important design feature found on the wings of some airplanes. It’s not a well-known term outside of aviation circles, but it plays an important role in how an aircraft handles in the air.
Like other leading-edge extensions, dogtooth extensions are found on the leading edge (front) of the wings. They consist of small, jagged notches near the tip. This seemingly small feature is quite important, especially when an airplane is flying at high angles of attack, like during takeoff, landing, or when performing sharp turns.
Unlike most other leading-edge extensions, however, dogtooth extensions are fixed. They aren’t hinged, nor can they be adjusted or otherwise controlled. Instead, dogtooth extensions consist of a jagged, fixed wing notch.
What’s the Purpose of Dogtooth Extensions?
Dogtooth extensions aren’t just for show; they have a functional purpose.
With dogtooth extensions on their wings’ leading edges, airplanes will generate vortices. The air will essentially flow around an axis line in a spiral-like pattern. These vortices will increase the airplane’s lift while also making it more resistant to stalls.
At high angles of attack, the air can flow around the wings in a way that leads to a loss of lift. If left unchecked, the airplane may not produce enough lift to stay in the air, resulting in a condition known as a stall. Dogtooth extensions help to prevent stalls by creating a controlled area of turbulence with vortices. This turbulence keeps the air flowing more smoothly over the wing, reducing the risk of a stall and helping the pilot maintain control of the aircraft.
Dogtooth extensions offer improved maneuverability. Airplanes with dogtooth extensions can perform more complex maneuvers without stalling thanks to these leading-edge extensions. Dogtooth extensions help them generate more lift so that they can handle extreme maneuvers without stalling.
Where Are Dogtooth Extensions Located?
Dogtooth extensions are located on the leading edges of an airplane’s wings. They are found close to the tip and are usually adjacent to the slats.
While most airplanes have leading-edge extensions, though, not all airplanes have dogtooth extensions. Dogtooth extensions are commonly found on military jets, which need to be highly maneuverable. Some commercial jets also have dogtooth extensions.
