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Old 4th Oct 2004, 20:27
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Fokker-Jock
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
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From flying gliders in the past the answer is it depends on the wing profile. Some wings get better Lift/Drag ratio with flaps extended, some don't. Some even get the best Lift/Drag ratio with negative flap setting. Assuming you're flying at speed for best Lift/Drag ratio, changing your flap setting without changing your speed will decrease Lift/Drag ratio.

In competition glider flying, some advanced gliders change to a negative flap setting in order to increase the speed for best Lift/Drag ratio, therby being able to fly faster with a lesser loss of altitude.
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