Where are anti-tear strips typically used?

Anti-tear strips are specifically used under wing rib stitching, particularly in aircraft that operate under higher stress conditions, such as those with never-exceed speeds greater than 250 mph. These strips help to reinforce the fabric and prevent the stitching from tearing more easily, especially in high-speed flight where there is increased aerodynamic load on the wings. By adding anti-tear strips, the structural integrity of the wing is enhanced, providing a recovery mechanism for any potential damage that could occur due to the dynamic forces acting on the aircraft.

In contrast, the other options address different contexts where additional materials or reinforcements may be used, but do not specifically apply to the use of anti-tear strips. For instance, leading edges of wings often use different forms of strengthening and protection tailored to that area, while fuselage reinforcement typically involves different structural considerations that are not focused solely on stitching. Similarly, while control surfaces are designed for aerodynamic performance, the integration of anti-tear strips does not commonly apply in that scenario.