Survey on Schiphol Airport of the Contamination of Wing Leading Edges of Three Different Aircraft Types under Operating Conditions

摘要

The paper discusses the contamination due to insects of the leading edges of different aircraft types under operational conditions. The variation of this contamination over a year's period is presented and from these results an average insect density is derived. The effect of weather conditions and the distribution of the insect debris over the leading edge are dealt with in more detail. Finally, it is estimated that on the average (and for the year of observation) 65% of the ideal laminar flow area is realized in spite of insect contamination when no active protective or cleaning measures are taken. It was also observed that bird hit, lightning and ground handling are sources of mechanical disturbances that require special attention in repair and maintenance if loss of laminar flow is to be prevented.