so i have worked past the alpha .40 and on to the fun 51 (handfull at first, but kick now that i got it under control... motor was crap when i got it free, but now that it runs good, no prob) and a SSE w/OS .55AX. so i am pretty confident with all 3 planes. also some time on various spads my buddies own.

so here's the question: how do low wing planes fly compared to the 2 mid wing planes mentioned above? one is a profile with a pretty short fuse and short wingspan (it rolls quick!) and everyone knows the SSE, so low wing easier, more or less agile etc???

You won't see much difference in flying characteristics. Wing shape, dihedral, control surface deflection etc, plays a larger role than where the wing is mounted.

Theoretically a mid will wing acheve that nirvana of neutral roll stability. Totally neutral roll stability is that characteristic most often referred to as 'that stays where you put it' tendency.

A low wing can acheve this just as well but not with a totally flat wing. For this configuration to acheve neutral stability it is neccessary to use some dihedral, not a lot but some. This dihedral effect can also be acheved by wing taper and or root to tip airfoil transgression.

A high wing cabin type can also acheve neutral roll stability but but to do this you must use anhedral. I have bashed several trainers for the heck of it in the past with dumbo ear wings (several inchs of droop) and the results have been most delightful and pattern like.

John

It can achieve the neutral roll stability through dihedral and LE sweep but that often screws the "just as well" aspect of achieving it. Dihedral and LE taper (which usually gives dihedral effect) are the primary cause of rudder-roll couple. When the rudder (or anything) yaws an airplane with dihedral, the leading wing gets more lift and the retreating one less. And the airplane starts to roll. Which definitely isn't what the term neutral implies especially when it's applied to the concept of neutral in the roll axis.

A high wing with anhedral is nothing but a low wing with dihedral flying inverted.

Call it what you will its a delitefull and simple kit bash of a trainer that imparts roll characteristics very much pattern plane like.

never thought of that twist on things. sounds like fun.

anyway guys thanks for the input. kinda what i figured really. too bad there are so many different airframes out there and no way that i can own all of them!

SAY WHAT !!!!!!!!!

Don't say that!!!

You just need to learn some better excuses for buying the next one, and the next.......

actually my wife is pretty cool about not needing an excuse to buy a new plane (she even buys me some) problem is i don't have a big enough hangar to have a "Noah's ark of planes"... wait a minute, that would be 2 of each. ah shucks, why not. mebbe i will still figure out a way.