Leading Edge Slats on Hang Gliders?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of incorporating leading edge slats into hang gliders to reduce stall speed and enhance wing loading. It is noted that leading edge slats can potentially double the coefficient of lift by allowing a higher angle of attack, provided flaps are also utilized. However, the practicality of significantly reducing wing area for portability in a backpack is questioned due to the increased drag that accompanies lift-enhancing modifications. The consensus indicates that while slats and flaps improve lift, they also contribute to a steeper glide angle due to added drag.

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jgeating
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What do you think about the feasibility of adding leading edge slats to a hang glider in order to reduce the stall speed and increase the wing loading.

I've seen charts showing nearly a twofold increase in the achievable coefficient of lift because the angle of attack can go so much higher without stalling (assuming flaps are present).

I have been wondering if it would be possible to decrease the wing area of a hang glider so much to the point where it could be deployable and fit in a large backpack.
 
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This is an interesting thought, but I believe impractical for the reason of drag. While flaps and slats help you to gain more lift, they also create more drag. I'm not sure what percentage of the drag in a hang glider comes from the "wing" itself, but it seems that any increase would make it so that your glide angle would be even more steep.
 

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