Definition
A fixed, downward-and-forward extension of the wing's leading edge that re-shapes the airfoil to lower the stall speed and improve handling at high angles of attack. Unlike movable leading edge devices, cuffs are a permanent part of the wing structure and do not retract or extend.
Plain English
A built-in shape change at the front of the wing that helps the wing keep flying smoothly at slow speeds and steep angles, instead of suddenly losing lift.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of leading edge devices, stall behavior, and wing design features that improve low-speed handling.
Derivation
A 'cuff' in everyday English is something added around the edge of a sleeve or trouser leg — a wrap that changes the shape at the end. Here the cuff wraps around the leading edge of the wing, changing its shape for a similar reason: to alter how it behaves at the boundary.
Why Pilots Care
They reduce the likelihood of sudden wing drop or loss of aileron control during stalls, improving safety in training and low-speed operations.
Intuition Check
A leading edge cuff is not a movable control surface like a flap. It is a fixed shape on the front of the wing that changes how air flows over that part of the wing.
Example Sentence 1
The aircraft's leading edge cuffs gave it a noticeably gentler stall behavior during slow flight practice.
Example Sentence 2
During stall practice the pilot noticed the aircraft maintained better roll control thanks to its leading edge cuffs.