Flaps Question
 

Do flaps on a high wing model, such as a De Havilland Beaver, increase "Ground Effect" ? I can see them effective in providing a cushion of air on a low wing model, but I think on a high wing model it would not be as effective, because of their distance from the ground. What do you all think ?

Ed

RE: Flaps Question
 

"Ground effect" is a function of the aspect ratio of the wing. Ground effect is half the wingspan. It doesn't matter if it's a high wing or low wing plane. A Beaver with flaps will outperform one without. The Beaver has a unique flap system if done correctly or true scale. The flaps are linked with the ailerons and the ailerons droop with the flaps. It's a great flying plane with or without flaps but better and more fun with.

Can't wait to see the additional comments.

RE: Flaps Question
 

"When an aircraft is flying at an altitude that is approximately at or below the same distance as the aircraft's wingspan or helicopter's rotor diameter, there is, depending on airfoil and aircraft design, an often noticeable ground effect. This is caused primarily by the ground interrupting the wingtip vortices and downwash behind the wing. When a wing is flown very close to the ground, wingtip vortices are unable to form effectively due to the obstruction of the ground. The result is lower induced drag, which increases the speed and lift of the aircraft.

Low winged aircraft are more affected by ground effect than high wing aircraft. Due to the change in up-wash, down-wash, and wingtip vortices there may be errors in the airspeed system while in ground effect due to changes in the local pressure at the static source."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_...%28aircraft%29

Flaps increase lift via increasing AOA for the internal section of the wing and, with higher deflection, they increase also drag as braking effect for landing.

I don't think that both ground effect and flaps' effect are much related.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviatio.../2/1205212.jpg

RE: Flaps Question
 

You're correct, ground effect and flaps are two different animals. Flaps produce lift for takeoff up to a certain degree, then they produce drag. Boeing says 15 degrees but their wings have leading edge devices.

In any case, small amount of flaps for takeoff and a hand full of flaps for landing.

They are worth the effort on a model of the Beaver.