flaps or flaperons
 

Hey guys I posted this in the warbird section but got minimal responses. I bought the new Nitro P-51D. Its much nicer than the former P-51D from the same company. The fuselage is fiberglass with balsa ribs for support and the wings are symmetrical but with no flaps. I can cut out the flaps from the trailing edge if needed but I really dont want to. I understand flaperons should only be used when the ailerons are are full wing and not short. Any suggestions

RE: flaps or flaperons
 

As far as I am concerned, flapperons should never be used, but ESPECIALLY not if you don't have strip ailerons.

Either do without flaps altogether, or cut real flaps. (It's really not that difficult)

Fly it. See if it needs flaps or if you can live without them

RE: flaps or flaperons
 

First Of all I'm in complete agreement with Minnflyer

They must have used a different airfoil and the flaps only add novelty and complication to the plane.

RE: flaps or flaperons
 

He got the same answer there, I just don't think its what he wanted to hear.

If you droop tip ailerons like a Mustang you're going to take your plane home in a dustbuster.

RE: flaps or flaperons
 

Inboard flaps essentially increase the AOA near the root compared to the AOA near the tip. That means they act like 2 tons of washout.

BUT, if you don't really have flaps, and you use your outboard ailerons as flaperons , then you aren't getting the washout effect. You are getting the opposite. So the fist thing to stall will be the tips, not the root. I wouldn't do it.

IF you need flaps , then add them later. But, (and it might just be me), I have not flown a Mustang that didn't actually land better without the flaps.