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Old 10-28-2008 | 10:20 AM
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SoCalSal
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Default RE: Angle of incidense affect on flight


ORIGINAL: Bax

Usually, with model biplanes, the upper wing has an angle of incidence set about 1 degree or so less than the lower wing with respect to the fuselage datum line. This helps the model "track" better at higher airspeeds, such as in downlines and the backside of loops. As far as one wing stalling before the other, theory would tell you that you want the more-forward wing to stall first so that there will be more of a nose-down pitching force at the stall. In practice, it really doesn't much matter with models, and with real biplanes, the optimum angles for the wings were found in flight test. What works for full-size aircraft doesn't always translate to models because while models get smaller, the air doesn't and has different effects with smaller objects.

Thanks Bax, I do understand the theory of this. But I don't think on my Stearman I will be doing a lot of hard core 3d type of flying. Heck I can't even fly a 3D type aircraft other then to just do the very basic stunts. I am more concerned with what type of handling I will have with both wings set at the same AOI. This model is just for some lazy weekend flights and such. I enjoy building much more than flying.....I'm a much better builder than a pilot. Need to change that though.