An articulated leading edge for the fuselage and wings of an aircraft is disclosed. The leading edge may be moved from an undeflected or retracted position adjacent to the fuselage and wings to a deflected or extended position. The leading edge includes fuselage and wing portions which are articulated with respect to each other. The fuselage portion of the leading edge may be rotated around an axis near the nose of the aircraft. When the fuselage portion is rotated, the region between the fuselage portion and wing portion of the leading edge bends and the wing portion is elevated with respect to the wing. In such an extended position, the leading edge increases lift of the aircraft at low speeds. In the retracted position, gaps associated with the leading edge are avoided.