Hey guys sorry its been a little quiet down here but we have been working very hard. I have been very satisfied with the planes in general and with all the improvements over the past year or so but I still thought we could make the planes better. About three months ago we started the composite wing and stab project. First of all I need to commend all the manufactures that have choosen to go this route. While it looks like it should be easy its not. We looked at all the different ways to do this and tried to use the best from everyone. I especially want to mention B. Hebert and the Comp Arf hinging method. I think it is the best way to go because it gets the hinge line in the center. For sure it is the most difficult but once the proper gigs are made its well worth it.

This new wing being cnc could be anything we wanted so I opted for a non conventioal planform. Since I am not good with cad I had to get some help drawing and designing the wing from a good friend down Mariano that also is the designer of the Cation. He is incredible.

This shape was choosen after many hours of discussion with Wolfgang in Columbia. He and CPLR are convinced its a better wing in the wind so that was good enough for me. I have the utmost respect for both of them as pilots and designers.

Below are the first pics of the De Ja Vu as we finished it last week. The new Visa and Cation is right behind it and I will get some pics up very soon of each of them. These planes will not be painted in the mold as we just do not have the people to do it and I really like the more personal touch of a beautifully finished high end pattern plane.

By the way one or two of the last pics is of a Visa I took in trade down here and gave it som TLC. Its all paint set up for the Neu motor with my dads mount installed that is basically a new plane. Please email or IM me if anyone is interested it can be to your door in a week for an incredible price.

C

That is one sexy looking plane Chip.

Beautiful work Chip. I really like the new wing planform. Also, your finish work is becoming a work of art on its own,

Arch

Hey Chip....

if you aren't gonna paint'em in the mold... you can at least Prime'em in the mold... (If you aren't already)...

If the tools are aluminum or capable of elevated temps.... heat'em up a bit (100'ish maybe) and as you spray the primer down... lay it down
in light near overspray coats.. that allows the Solvents to flash off....
the added benefit of priming is that it will help eliminate the annoying pinholes that otherwise occur....

Added note.... (If you decide to go the Prime-first Path) ...be sure to use a solvent wipe on the primed surface even before sanding.... and make sure the solvent doesn't eat/dissolve what ever core material you use.... (Straight alcohol is a decent primer and doesn't affect most foams... 'cept I am not sure Rohacell likes it/?).. and as you prolly already know... wet sanding is a good way to verify the surface is contaminant free.... (IF the water beads up... the surface is contaminated)

If you are doing or already know the above... please disregard!! lol
(Prolly you have already gone thru all this on the fuselages huh??)

Chip
How is the new wing weight wise after paint? Will the new wing be available for retro fit? What other changes if any were made to the stab & fuse?
I will be test flying number two this week. Will post Pic's when available.
Dick

I am sorry for any confusion. The wing comes painted white with the small seam around the edges. There will be no need to primer anything but just the seam and a light coat of white if desired. We have been able to completely finish out the wings with clear for an additional 25 grams. The total all up weight of one panel at this time is 390 grams on the first two. However we did not have the lite fiberglass until last friday so I am waiting on wing number 3 today. It should be 30 grams lighter per panel.

C

Looks awesome Chip, let's see what happens when I see yours in Muncie.....
I remember you told me about those composite wings, lots of work!!

Best regards

Alejandro

Hi Chip,

Can you give us a flight report on the new wings. Appreciate if you could also post some up close pictures of the new wings and hinge line detail. How do the SFG attach to these wings