130eng Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 I was wondering if anybody knows the reason why they decided to use the Lockheed Fowler flap system on the C130. My best guess is that they were trying to increase lift and decrease stall speeds for airdrops, but I'm wondering if there is a more specific reason. Any input appreciated -D.T. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinyclark Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 I think you are right on the money, that they are used to create a larger wing area, allowing for slower speeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in WV Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Fowler flaps give you the most lift because they extend back as well as down. They increase in wing area as well as reshaping the wing. C-130's were designed for short field work as well as air drop. I can't say for sure but I'll wager the prop blast blowing over the wings and flaps is kind of like boundry layer control (blowing bleed air over the wings and flaps) like the F-4 Phantoms had to decrease stall speeds. Boundry layer control was only active when the flaps were down. The principle is like having a man made head wind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinyclark Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 I fried my ass a bit on F4 leading edge bleed air, getting off the aircraft on a red ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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