NoFlaps

My Feedback: (131)

I typically fly warbirds which have pretty high wing loadings, but I now have my 1st acroplane.
I have a .45 size EDGE 54O, and it seems rather heavy considering what it is.
...I know that some of the bigger planes actually seem much lighter, given their overall size (engine is by far the heaviest element), but is there some ideal ratio of Wing Area to weight (wing loading) for acrobats/ planes?
Thanks in advance.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Not really.

If you're flying 3D, you want as light as possible, but some of MY favorite acrobatic planes have had a very high wing loading (as much or more than a warbird)

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Same here, some of my smaller pattern planes are down right heavy by todays standards. The model pilots of today have fallen into the ARF thinking that a model has to be as light as it can be to fly well. Not true, the reason they are so light is to save money by not using any wood. More wood= a stronger airframe that will last you longer and fly better in different wind conditions. Another reason kit built planes weigh more then an ARF, they included wood in the kit.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Damn Gray Beard, we think a lot alike.If I'm ever near Henderson, I'm buying you a beer!

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

If you ever come here I will take you to see X!!!

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

I'm afraid to ask! (But I'll go )

sensei

The truth is, wing loading does matter for 3D, precision, and landing. The smaller the airframe, the more it is effected. If you are wanting a really good loading in all areas for an airframe that small then I would shoot for a 25-30 oz. loading. JMO

Bob

Rodney

Wing loading can lead to deceiving results, WVL (wing volume loading) is a much more realistic way of determining flight characteristics. A value of 7 or less is usually a real floater but most planes fly well with up to a WVL of 11, some even with a slightly higher value. WVL is sometimes refered to as Wing Cubic Loading if you are interested in searching for comments and formulas.

sensei

Yes, very true however as an airframe gets smaller, the Reynolds numbers drop with it along with Efficiency to carry weight.

Bob

Rodney

Exactly, that is why WVL is better than wing loading as a guide line as it accommodates the size problem. A 12 in span plane and a 12 foot span plane with a WVL of 7 will fly approximately the same but their wing loading (weight per unit area) will be drastically different.

NoFlaps

My Feedback: (131)

You're clearly knowlegeable...So how then would one determine the WVL ?

sensei

Here you go, just click this link and you can find out what your wing loading, and cubed loading is, if you strive to stay within these guidlines, you will do just fine.

Have fun, Bob
http://www.ef-uk.net/data/wcl.htm

NoFlaps

My Feedback: (131)

Thanks !