Two wings into One
 

Hi,
I have two damaged wings for a WM Mach II.
One is damaged on the left, the other the right.
I am considering cutting the wings and combining to get one good one.
Has anyone ever done this?
What suggestions do you have?
Thanks,
KW_Counter

RE: Two wings into One
 

Sounds like a great idea. It's been done before for sure.

RE: Two wings into One
 

I've done it before several times on several different plane. No problems at all.

Ken

RE: Two wings into One
 

Just make sure the wing balances laterally. May need to add a bit of weight to one side.

Tom

RE: Two wings into One
 

Just be sure not to introduce a twist into wing when putting together, this is especialy easily done if joining elliptical wing halves.

RE: Two wings into One
 

What about the spar? If you cut the two wings into two halves and then join the two good halves together, well, again, what about the spar?

CGr.

RE: Two wings into One
 

Hi,

Don't forget to splint the spar and a little fiberglass cloth and resin would add a "belts and braces" approach.

Cheers,

Colin

RE: Two wings into One
 

Thanks.. wphew.. i thought I missed something.

CGr.

RE: Two wings into One
 

Any suggestions on splicing the spar would be very helpful.
I have no problem glassing, just not sure where.
How big should the splint be?
This is a 40 size sport plane.
Thanks,
KW_Counter

RE: Two wings into One
 

Hi KW Counter,

The joint should ideally be four times the diameter of the spar, obviously the length remaining on each wing that is undamaged will determin the length and may vary from the ideal but anything less compromises strength. Overlap the spars as much as possible to arrive at the same wing span of the original wing, cut at an acute angle and glue together, this is much stronger than a butt joint. Then splint either side with birch or similar extending at least 1/2" either side of each end of the joint. When you re sheet the now joined and splinted wing add 4" of fiberglass cloth for a little mental reassurance:D

Cheers,

Colin