Hey guys, as a flying nut I found this video and found it very interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXwVyxorvno

Apparently you can improve the STOL properties (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STOL) of a wing by installing vortex generators on the leading edge. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_generator

Anyone think that this could have an application in kiting? I wonder if something like this could improve the upwind capability of some kites by allowing them to fly closer to their stall angle at the edge of the wind window.

In the video they saw a reduction in stall speed from 60 to 45 knots of the aircraft. This is assuming that this experiment was valid and not a giant scam or marketing gimmick.

Are the deformations of the leading edge at the struts acting as vortex generators in some kites? By mistake or design? These deformations would have to be much smaller than aircraft VGs as the wing speed is so much lower (boundary layer thickness is a function of amongst other things fluid velocity).
S

I would think the relatively floppy leading edge of a soft wing would serve the purpose of generating adequate turbulence for a kite. No matter how smooth it looks, a kite's leading edge is much rougher and more chaotic in behaviour than an aluminum aircraft wing - that's my take on it

I think Flysurfers " Jet Flaps " partly address this ? Cleaning up the vortex above the trailing edge reducing stall. But I am no aeronautical engineer !

I am wondering if a flux capacitor attached to the vortex generator on the leading edge will increase stall performance as well...


LOL