What are Fowler flaps primarily used for?

Fowler flaps are primarily used to increase the wing area and camber, which significantly enhances the lift characteristics of an aircraft during takeoff and landing phases. When deployed, these flaps move backward and downward, effectively enlarging the wing's surface area. This increase allows the wing to generate more lift at lower speeds, which is crucial when the aircraft is operating near stall speeds during landing or takeoff.

Additionally, the change in camber produced by Fowler flaps helps maintain airflow over the wing, improving performance and stability. This design feature allows pilots to safely manage lower speeds without risking stalling, making Fowler flaps an essential component in modern aircraft design for optimizing flight performance during critical phases of flight.