What effect do vortex generators have on stall characteristics of an aircraft?

Vortex generators are small aerodynamic devices placed on the wing surface or other aircraft surfaces to improve airflow over the wings, particularly at higher angles of attack. Their primary role is to energize the boundary layer of air over the wing, which helps maintain smooth airflow over the wing's surface, thereby delaying the onset of stall.

By deepening the stall angle, vortex generators enable the aircraft to reach a higher angle of attack before the airflow begins to separate from the wing. This can enhance the overall stall characteristics, giving the pilot a greater margin before losing lift. Essentially, the vortex generators create small vortices that help keep the airflow attached to the wing longer, reducing the risk of an abrupt stall.

In contrast, vortex generators do not eliminate stalls entirely, nor do they inherently reduce or have no effect on stall characteristics. Their purpose is specifically to improve the performance in terms of stall behavior by enhancing lift and delaying stall onset, making the correct understanding of their function critical for safe and effective flight operations.