AVA - Wing Tip Quick Disconnects

[webskipper]

New AVA flier.

As I was priming my AVA wing ends this week with tape (to prevent the coverings from separating when I remove the joining tape on flying days). I realized what a crazy way to keep 800 $1 bills together.

Since the carbon i-beams slide inside a carbon sleeve, why isn't there a quick disconnect clip or pin system for this b1rd?

I'd like to see a push-button style quick release pin but the smallest diameter I can find is 1/8". A drilled bolt is easier to make and find.

A simple 2-56 bolt with a hole drilled in it can be slipped through the wing joiner and an RC car body clip will hold it. Just makes more sense than relying on tape.

I realize anything protruding from the surface will create dirty air but there must be a better way to quickly get in the air.

What tape is everyone using?

[Swift]

I previously used electricians tape but have moved to painters tape. The grab is ok and it does not leave any residue.


Swift

[Merlin1205]

I use this stuff and have never had a problem with it trying to pull the covering off when I remove it. http://www.hilaunch.com/Wing_tape.htm

[webskipper]

Uh oh. I used 3M hatch tape (1" wide) wrapped twice. Probably heavy but testing a regular wrap over it did not pull any off the wing. So there it lies.

Merlin- is the reflective tape good for protecting the Stab against wear?

Where is the main AVA forum?

[Skycruiser]

The tape doesn't just hold the wing together, it seals the gap as well. Any gap at all, even 0.5mm, will cause a lot of drag.

Nick

[rrdiaz30]

...Where is the main AVA forum?

There is not an Ava forum per se, but there is the mother of all Ava threads:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173093

I vote for sticking with tape to keep it simple.

Get a couple of the AVA Tailplane Sleeve Nut's for your spare parts box, in case you drop one in the grass and cannot find. They can be purchased here online:

http://www.hyperflight.co.uk/products.asp?code=AVA%2DTP%2DNUT

Rick

[Andy W]

The tape doesn't just hold the wing together, it seals the gap as well. Any gap at all, even 0.5mm, will cause a lot of drag.

Nick

What he said. Even if there was a retention pin, you would still need tape - so just use tape!

They use tape in full-scale as well, although there are definitely retention pins there! :)
..a

[atjurhs]

+1 for the tape from Don at HiLaunch.com.

I've been using Don's wing tape (and all his other types of tape) on all my birds for years!

good stuff

[Merlin1205]

Your referring to the holographic tape I presume. I did buy a roll of that as well and ended up putting it on the leading edge of the main wing panel. Seems to work pretty well at high altitudes if the sun is shining. Gives off a nice flash. Not sure about how it would protect the stab though. It is kinda thick somewhat like thick aluminum foil but thin enough where it will follow the curve of the leading edge. The adhesive is pretty aggressive so you only get one shot when applying it. I guess it might help protect the leading edge of the stab somewhat.

[EArnaudin]

Not the holographic. Use Don's Wing Tape. It's for what you need to do.

Ed

[Merlin1205]

I was replying to Webskipper's question >I linked the red hilaunch tape I use but below it was the holographic stuff that he was asking about. I figured I would try it since I was ordering the red wing tape anyways. But not for wing attachment lol, that adhesive would never come loose. who want's a 147" wing? :)

[webskipper]

Ok wing tape it is.

I will definitely get extra parts for the AVA. Right now I have it so that the empennage is left in place and then the fuse is slid into the wing bag as is.

I can fit it into the hatchback that way. It won't slide around in the bag.

Off to the main Ava forum. Thanks! :)

[lincoln]

You might want to reinforce the area the tape goes on with some permanent tape.

I've thought of using a strip of very soft foam and a rare earth magnet to hold things together.