I'm thinking of building a speed plane for my incoming OPS 67.
I have no doubt that a delta plane (something along the lines of a SD with a full length cowl) would be easier to build than a conventional plane. The real question is this: given a similar power source (say - tractor OPS 67) what would be faster, a delta or a conventional?
I'm thinking that the induced drag plays almost no role at top speed. The parasite drag seems much more important. If this is the case a conventional shouldn't have any advantage over a delta. But still, I have a feeling that a conventional plane would be faster.
Would the longer chords of the delta cause more drag since more of the wetted area experiences turbulent flow? (assuming good surface finish) Or would the lighter weight of the delta allow a smaller wing? Questions questions questions...
Appreciate your thoughts.