Abstract:
The maintenance of laminar-flow wings involves two problems:-- (1) The prevention of deterioration in the surface itself (e.g. cracking of the paint or filler, increase in roughness or waviness, etc., whether due to weathering, stresses in flight, or accidental damage). (2) The prevention of contamination of the surface with flies, etc. This Note gives an account of experience gained at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in dealing with these problems during flight tests on the characteristics of low-drag wings.
