Asking The Experts!

[jp.electrik]

I have got to experience soaring! :)

First and foremost how about some tips for a guy just getting into Thermal soaring, there are some slope areas here but very few.

I have some experience with e-powered flight. Mostly 48" delta wings, Zagis and UnicornWing, when my Unicorn floats so beautifully without power it captures something deep in my imagination. I think it goes all the way back to the cavemen awestruck by birds in flight.


I have just completed my EZG Electric and have ordered another bird capable of thermal soaring, the EPP Peregrine Falcon.

I know this question is quite a way's 'out there' It concerns my EasyGlide Electric (you full-house guys don't laugh).
I want to know the effect of extended flaps on the inboard wing portion. I've installed flaps but only have the ability to move in one direction (radio limitations). I obviously chose 'up' as my radio can't support "CROW" feature.
In an experimental attempt to also get some benefit from down flaps at low speed I installed flexible extensions off the trailing edge. The concept is for gravity to pull them down providing lift at slow speed; while increased airspeed will force them up reducing/eliminating there effect.
Is this a good idea or have I lost my "tiny little mind'?
Do I want/need more resistance to make them effective. They are very light and loosely hinged. When flaps are up they are completely out of play due to the hing.
Boy do I need a digital camera! :rolleyes:
Anybody brave enough to take this one on?

jp

[schrederman]

OK, I'll be brave... In order to make the flaps heavy enough for this to work, they would be out of balance very badly, and probably flutter off on the first launch. Flaps are never "out of play" as you stated. They are the trailing edge of the wing, and should be controlled by more than just airspeed. There have been some types of control surfaces, like leading edge slats, that deploy via gravity in low-airspeed situations, but if I ever heard of flaps doing that, I don't remember.

I wouldn't say you've lost it, just maybe misplaced it a smidge... :D

Jack

[schrederman]

OBTW... never call a man an expert... An EX is a has been, and a SPURT is a little drip under pressure... :D ...

JW

[scaflock]

Experts? US? I see we've got another one fooled! Just kidding ya a bit here JP.

As Jack said, the trailing edge of a wing is NEVER out of play. It is going to effect airflow at all times. Even a thin flap section if just hinged to the bottom of the wing is going to change the airflow on the underside of the wing. Yes... A digital camera is a handy item when trying to explain something like you describe. ;)

The goal on just about any plane is to have the wing as "slippery" as possible. Smooth surfaces without anything sticking out. Anything that is sticking out into the airflow is going to cause drag.

It might help if we knew which radio you're using. It may be able to do things that you haven't learned about yet. I'm still learning new things that my Futaba 6 channel will do.

Jeff

[jp.electrik]

OK, I'll be brave... In order to make the flaps heavy enough for this to work, they would be out of balance very badly, and probably flutter off on the first launch. Flaps are never "out of play" as you stated. They are the trailing edge of the wing, and should be controlled by more than just airspeed. There have been some types of control surfaces, like leading edge slats, that deploy via gravity in low-airspeed situations, but if I ever heard of flaps doing that, I don't remember.

I wouldn't say you've lost it, just maybe misplaced it a smidge... :D

Jack


I have heard of leading edge slats, I think the "saber" had them. This is an attempt to do the same thing.
I could use rubber bands or something simmilar to offer some resistance as opposed to weight.

[jp.electrik]

Spectrum Dx5e. I am using the 5th channel for flaps instead of gear. I have it configured for flaps at neutral or flaps up.

[jp.electrik]

Thanks for getting this thread started, continuing discussion here
(http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=985154)
jp :p