Which device is a high lift device used to change the camber of the wing?

• A. Flaps
• B. Spoilers
• C. Trim tabs
• D. Slats

Answer: (D)

High lift devices that modify wing camber are used to gain more lift at low speeds, especially during takeoff and landing. Slats are leading-edge devices that extend forward and often create a slot between the slat and the wing. That slot energizes the air over the wing, delaying flow separation and effectively increasing the wing’s camber and its maximum lift coefficient. This leading-edge change is why slats are classified as a high lift device that alters camber.

Flaps are also high lift devices, but they are trailing-edge surfaces that increase camber differently by deflecting downward to boost lift. Spoilers reduce lift, and trim tabs primarily adjust the aircraft’s pitching moment rather than providing a high-lift change for takeoff/landing. Therefore, the device that best fits the description of a high lift device used to change the wing’s camber is the slat.