Aircraft leading edge device systems and methods for sizing such systems
are disclosed. In one embodiment, a spanwise lift coefficient
distribution for an airfoil corresponding to at least one design
condition and at least one aircraft angle of attack is identified, and a
leading edge device chord length is sized to at least approximately
achieve the selected spanwise lift coefficient distribution. In another
embodiment, a spanwise distribution of aircraft angles of attack
corresponding to local maximum lift coefficients for an airfoil operated
at a design condition is identified, and a leading edge device chord
length at each of a plurality of spanwise locations is sized to achieve
the distribution of aircraft angles of attack corresponding to local
maximum lift coefficients. In yet another embodiment, a leading edge
device chord length is tapered in two, at least approximately opposite,
spanwise directions.