4* Flaps
 

Has anyone put flaps on their 4*?
If yes, which 4*, what size were they in relation to the ailerons, how did it fly?
Thanks,
KW_Counter

RE: 4* Flaps
 

I did it, They were great! I cut the ailerons a little less than 1/3 out from the fuse and ran them with the torque rods, then ran Nyrod out to the ailerons.

RE: 4* Flaps
 

Hey Minn,

What size 4* did you 'modify'?

KW, what size do you intend to modify?

Minn, did you loose any 'roll rate' with the shorter (smaller) ailerons? Would you reccomend enlarging them any?!

Sounds like something I might want to try myself!! :D

RE: 4* Flaps
 

MinnFlyer,
Thanks for the reply.
I never thought about the nyrod and still using one servo.
How do you anchor it in the wing so it won't flex?

I'm not sure what size, either a 40 or a 60.
It will be my first kit, 4th fuel plane. I'd like to play with flaps.
I'm going to try it this Summer during the building season.
I was thinking about an RV 4 but I understand the 4* might be a better first kit.

Thanks,
KW_Counter

RE: 4* Flaps
 

It was a 4*40, And there is no noticeable loss of aileron control, so you don't need to make them bigger. Just anchor the nyrod to the ribs and you're good to go!

RE: 4* Flaps
 

Would it be too late to modify my 4*60 with flaps if i built the wing stock(ie two aileron servos) and only the bottom of the wing covered? Would flaperons work just as well in this situation?

RE: 4* Flaps
 

I'd advise against flaperons on any Four-Star. The tapered aileron reduces the effect atthe tips... but full span flaperons is asking for trouble.

To split the ailerons for flaps and ailerons... no problem at all n the 4*60. You would slice the aileron right even with the rib just inboard of the aileron servos (the one RIGHT beside the servo) No change to the aileron servos needed at all. :D

Come inboard a bay separation and install another servo. (similar method to the aileron servo... the servo mounts to the hatch) This one... have the whole top of the servo exposed (point the output shaft straight down.) The control horns and pushrods each go on the same side of the servo... (one inboard... one outboard from the fuselage) so one horn will be just a bit further out than the other. Now you don't need a reverser for one servo ;) (yes... it is that simple)

If desired, to regain a bit of the lost roll rate... you can:

A) mix the ailerons to the flaps (but not the flaps to the ailerons)
B) make slightly larger ailerons
C) BOTH! :D

If you have the channels... you can mix the spoileron function to the ailerons to raise the ailerons when the flaps are lowered. (crow) This needs to be a program mix that can be prevented for normal landings. (it kills speed like all heck)

RE: 4* Flaps
 

I programmed in flaperons to my 4*60 with my 9C radio. Give both ailerons just a little bit of down (< 1/4") and the plane will take off in about 5' of runway and you can land it on the tailwheel. I assigned the flaperon to one of the dials so that I can experiment with varying amounts of flaperon. Once I have the exact amount that I like, I will assign it to a switch

RE: 4* Flaps
 

I did flapperons on a few planes, and I don't think I'll ever do them again. They seem to hinder performance more than help it.

RE: 4* Flaps
 

LOW travel flaperon function (with ability to move them upward) is GREAT for pecision trimming the neutral point of the ailerons in flight. That's about the only way I see full span flaperon function being good.

Try it sometime ;) Aileron fungction fprogrammed to the flaperons normally... flap function programed for 5% downward 5% upward vs aileron travels. Dial that puppy in :)