The purpose of leading edge slats is to?

Leading edge slats are a critical aerodynamic feature on many aircraft wings, primarily designed to enhance the aircraft's performance during specific flight conditions, particularly at high angles of attack and slower speeds. The primary purpose of leading edge slats is to delay airflow separation, which occurs when the smooth flow of air over the wing is disrupted, potentially leading to a stall.

By employing leading edge slats, the wing can maintain smoother airflow over its surface, thereby extending its operational envelope and improving lift characteristics. This improved lift allows the aircraft to operate more safely and effectively during take-off, landing, and in maneuvers that require significant angle-of-attack increases. The extension of the lift curve through the delay of stall enhances overall aircraft control and stability during low-speed flight situations.

This function directly addresses the challenges encountered during take-off and landing phases of flight where slower speeds and higher angles of attack are prevalent, thereby facilitating safer operations.