Chipmunk modifications
06-01-2006 | 08:47 PM
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From: Sacramento,
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Chipmunk modifications
I was going to post this in my build thread for a [http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4293929/tm.htm]CG Super Chipmunk[/url], but I felt that I would get a better response here.
I haven't flown a Chippy since about 1991. I vaguely, at best, remember how it flew. I am going to start building another one soon and was planning on some modifications. Before I do anything I was hoping to get some advice from those more experienced than myself.
So, my first question, and the primary reason I'm posting it in this forum, is this: how would moving the vertical stab back about two inches affect the flight characteristics of the plane, if any? I would like to do this to allow the rudder to move its full throw without interfering with the elevator. Moving the stab, and thus the rudder, back 1.5" - 2.25" should allow the elevator to move up further without the rudder blocking it. Also, I intend to extend the length of the rudder itself by about 1" and the elevator by maybe 1/2". If I extend the rudder, I'll extend it along its bottom, to keep the highest point of deflection toward the centerline of the plane. Hopefully this will prevent any tendencies for the plane to pitch or roll at full rudder.
Now, assuming this won't screw up the plane, does anyone here think these modifications are going to result in a more maneuverable aircraft, or would it simply make the plane super twitchy and uncontrollable? I don't want to 3d the plane (it probably would be horrible for that anyway), so 80 degree throws aren't necessary, but I would like to do maneuvers like walls and knife edge loops. The latter I definitely remember not really being possible with the stock rudder, and I have read that adding about an inch to the rudder allows this maneuver with no problems.
Now, for one question that may or may not fit here...
Lightening holes - I intend to go through most of the ribs and the fuse doublers at least. I've seen lots of people do it to these parts on many planes, and from my observation and limited studying, the ribs and doubler don't appear to be placed under any significant stress. Is this advisable?
Hmm, I wish I had some pictures of the plans handy. I suppose I can take some later if that is necessary.
Thanks!
I haven't flown a Chippy since about 1991. I vaguely, at best, remember how it flew. I am going to start building another one soon and was planning on some modifications. Before I do anything I was hoping to get some advice from those more experienced than myself.
So, my first question, and the primary reason I'm posting it in this forum, is this: how would moving the vertical stab back about two inches affect the flight characteristics of the plane, if any? I would like to do this to allow the rudder to move its full throw without interfering with the elevator. Moving the stab, and thus the rudder, back 1.5" - 2.25" should allow the elevator to move up further without the rudder blocking it. Also, I intend to extend the length of the rudder itself by about 1" and the elevator by maybe 1/2". If I extend the rudder, I'll extend it along its bottom, to keep the highest point of deflection toward the centerline of the plane. Hopefully this will prevent any tendencies for the plane to pitch or roll at full rudder.
Now, assuming this won't screw up the plane, does anyone here think these modifications are going to result in a more maneuverable aircraft, or would it simply make the plane super twitchy and uncontrollable? I don't want to 3d the plane (it probably would be horrible for that anyway), so 80 degree throws aren't necessary, but I would like to do maneuvers like walls and knife edge loops. The latter I definitely remember not really being possible with the stock rudder, and I have read that adding about an inch to the rudder allows this maneuver with no problems.
Now, for one question that may or may not fit here...
Lightening holes - I intend to go through most of the ribs and the fuse doublers at least. I've seen lots of people do it to these parts on many planes, and from my observation and limited studying, the ribs and doubler don't appear to be placed under any significant stress. Is this advisable?
Hmm, I wish I had some pictures of the plans handy. I suppose I can take some later if that is necessary.
Thanks!
