Vortex lift

Vortex lift works by capturing vortices generated from the sharply swept leading edge of the wing.

[7] Wings which generate vortex lift have been used on delta-winged research aircraft such as the Convair XF-92A and Fairey Delta 2.

Vortex lift sharp forebody strakes are used on the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.

A high AoA needed to meet landing requirements has, in the past, restricted pilot visibility and led to design complications to accommodate a drooping nose, as in the case of the Fairey Delta 2 and Concorde.

For moderate swept wings the addition of a LERX reduces wave drag and improves turning performance and enables a far wider range of flying attitudes.

Image showing formation of vortices behind the leading edge of a delta wing at high angle of attack
A cloud of smoke shows the roll-up of the vortex sheet shed from the whole trailing edge of a wing producing lift from attached flow, with its core aligned with the wing tip. Vortex lift has an additional vortex close to the body when shed by a leading edge root extension or closer to the tip when shed by a sweptback leading edge.