RCU Forums - View Single Post - aerobird
Thread: aerobird
View Single Post
Old 05-04-2005 | 08:22 PM
  #38  
aeajr's Avatar
aeajr
My Feedback: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Received 15 Likes on 15 Posts
From: Long Island, NY
Default RE: aerobird

I fly the plane a lot but am not big into multiple high speed loops and big dives so I have not had the problem of wings collapsing unless they have been previously damaged.

Normally the wings hold up just fine, but if you get the right combination of forces and a small crease, you could get a fold.

Here is an approach on reinforcement if you are concerned.

Stop at the hobby store and pick up a piece of 1/32 plywood. 24 inches long is fine. 30 inches would be better.

Now cut a 1" wide strip the full length. Should be enough there for a strip for each of you.

Now take a piece of 2" wide clear packing tape that is at least 2" longer than the piece of wood.

Have a friend help you as you must get the tape smooth or it will reduce the ablity of the wing to generate lift. You put the wood along the top of the wing. Find a spot where the wood can be most easily flexed to match the shape of the wing.

Now apply the tape on top of the wood and smooth the tape forward and behind it so that it is smooth. No wrinkles. Then work it out to the left and right so that the wood is taped onto the wing and the wood is flexed to the shape of the top of the wing. This will give the wing a little extra support while still being able to flex with it. The wing should flex, so don't worry aobut that.

The further out you get from the center, the less the stress on the wing. The place it is most likely to fold is right under the rubberbands. This helps spread out that stress. Also works well if you crease the wing. I have one wing like this right now. I can't tell it is there.

You could also try applying this on the bottom of the wing if you can get it to lay smoothly so that it does not interfere with the seating of the wing on the plane.