SUN FLY IV
02-15-2009, 03:32 PM
#1
SUN FLY IV
I recently bought a Sun Fly IV kit on the auction. Thought it would make a neat vintage plane with Veco-Lee .61 and Pro Line Radio. The kit says "Manufactured by Joe Bridi" and "Distributed by G&S Hobbies". I have a copy of the original plans and the original article by Mr. Bridi in R.C.M. The kit seemed pretty true to the original except for switch to a firewall-mounted engine mount which is fine with me.
One exception. The kit plans (not mentioned in the instructions) say that the ribs are cut to create a "slight bow" on the top and bottom surfaces of the wing and tout it as a aerodynamic feature. The original plans and article say nothing about that, and I'm not sure I want it in the finished plane (I'm afraid it would look dorky if nothing else!).
Anyone know what's up with the "bow"?
I can cut new ribs from the original plans, but that's a bit of a pain.
One exception. The kit plans (not mentioned in the instructions) say that the ribs are cut to create a "slight bow" on the top and bottom surfaces of the wing and tout it as a aerodynamic feature. The original plans and article say nothing about that, and I'm not sure I want it in the finished plane (I'm afraid it would look dorky if nothing else!).
Anyone know what's up with the "bow"?
I can cut new ribs from the original plans, but that's a bit of a pain.
02-15-2009, 05:34 PM
#2
RE: SUN FLY IV
Most of Bridi's designs were built with the top spar straight across so that the taper in the airfoil created a bit of dihedral on the underside. It sounds like your plans are saying to build the wing with an equal taper on the top and bottom.
Personally, I would build the wing upside-down with the top spar flat on the board. This will give you that little bit of dihedral from the wing thickness taper. Otherwise, like you say, the wing will appear to be drooping.
David
Personally, I would build the wing upside-down with the top spar flat on the board. This will give you that little bit of dihedral from the wing thickness taper. Otherwise, like you say, the wing will appear to be drooping.
David
02-15-2009, 06:09 PM
#3
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RE: SUN FLY IV
I've built several from the G&S kits in the past 6-7 years for VRCS pattern, one exactly as described- flew fine but did indeed appear "dorky". The other built in classic Bridi fashion as Rainedave described, flew equally well without the dork factor.
K&B/Veco 61 would be an ideal engine. I've flown mine with the OS 46SF, 60FP, and 61SF...the 60FP powered one was best of the lot, ample power and much lighter than the 61SF.
K&B/Veco 61 would be an ideal engine. I've flown mine with the OS 46SF, 60FP, and 61SF...the 60FP powered one was best of the lot, ample power and much lighter than the 61SF.
02-15-2009, 11:09 PM
#5
RE: SUN FLY IV
Rainedave, I've got one of those 'NIB' and I too would like to to send mine to Mr. Lee, but I have no idea where he is, I mean I can't just pick up th the phone and call him an' go 'round an' see him, not from here anyway... Address?
Evan, WB #12.
Evan, WB #12.
