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DATE |
PROCESS |
HOURS |
CATEGORY |
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03/12/02 |
Designed and drafted preliminary plans for aileron gap seal |
1.0 |
wing |
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DETAIL: |
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I had been looking at the aileron gaps created by the eyebolt hinges. There's a good 1.5" gap between wing and aileron. I've read on several occasions this kills roll rate as well as climb rate. One GN-1 builder even said he lost almost all aileron response near stall speed. The solution is seal the gap. The plans call for a "Z" lap of fabric to seal the gap. While this does seal the gap aerodynamically, aesthetically it leaves more to be desired. I whipped out the plans and put my brain to work. I've come up with a method that looks very clean and almost seals the gap entirely. Basically an .020 aluminum channel is formed and screwed to the front of the aileron. small "false ribs" are spaced about the aileron to add rigidity to the aluminum. Then .040 aluminum strips about 2" wide are screwed to the wing where it comes to an end. The aluminum strips overhang by about .75" It doesn't seal the gap entirely at small control throws but as the control throws increase the gap almost entirely is sealed. The end result is an aileron/wing joint that looks more like a Cessna. a video below |
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My initial idea on a more cosmetic and gap sealing aileron joint
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