Zoomzoooie
Well-Known Member
Hi everyone,
I have been considering airfoils and control surfaces for super stol performance and good cruise speed.
Given the same aircraft, what are the pros and cons of conventional ailerons and flaps vs the junker's style flaperon, both aerodynamically and structurally in combination with the underchambered airfoils as used on the Kitfox and Highlander.
For comparison, the Kitfox models I - III have an underchamber airfoil and Junker's flaperon. The Kitfox IV and later use a flat bottom airfoil and still use the Junker's style flaperon. The Highlander on the other hand uses a similar undercamber airfoil as the Kitfox III, but with conventional flaps and ailerons.
Another design I have been considering is the double slotted flap. The type that uses a lower hinge point located some distance below the wing causing the flap to extend in an arc for simplicity. This design creates better airflow over the flap and should give good stol performance, but added drag with the protruding hinge arms. What's your take?
I'm in favor of a flat bottom airfoil like the Naca 4412 or GEO 387 and double slotted flap in combination with coupled conventional ailerons. Is it the best choice for stol performance and better cruise speed compared to the other two designs? What would your choice be?
Ken
I have been considering airfoils and control surfaces for super stol performance and good cruise speed.
Given the same aircraft, what are the pros and cons of conventional ailerons and flaps vs the junker's style flaperon, both aerodynamically and structurally in combination with the underchambered airfoils as used on the Kitfox and Highlander.
For comparison, the Kitfox models I - III have an underchamber airfoil and Junker's flaperon. The Kitfox IV and later use a flat bottom airfoil and still use the Junker's style flaperon. The Highlander on the other hand uses a similar undercamber airfoil as the Kitfox III, but with conventional flaps and ailerons.
Another design I have been considering is the double slotted flap. The type that uses a lower hinge point located some distance below the wing causing the flap to extend in an arc for simplicity. This design creates better airflow over the flap and should give good stol performance, but added drag with the protruding hinge arms. What's your take?
I'm in favor of a flat bottom airfoil like the Naca 4412 or GEO 387 and double slotted flap in combination with coupled conventional ailerons. Is it the best choice for stol performance and better cruise speed compared to the other two designs? What would your choice be?
Ken
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