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-   -   Folding Wing RV-4 (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=81903)

NickAir 01-30-2012 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plehrke (Post 623046)
In my opinion, no way does the precieved "cool factor" ever buy its way on an airplane espeicially for something already as cool as and RV but i do love the rules in E-AB that let people try these kind of things. Makes going to OSH fun to see what others have tried (do not get to see much at OSH what others have failed trying)

The Cool Factor is added to aircraft for mission specific use in the military. It sometimes takes an unlimited check book, (Gov,) to accomplish the Cool Factor.

N941WR 01-30-2012 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WAM120RV (Post 622761)
I wonder if its still aerobatic?...

Good question. The folding Mustang II referenced in some of these posts is not aerobatic.

Although I couldn't find it on their site, one of our chapter members is building one and he said that was the only drawback to the folding option.

SHIPCHIEF 01-30-2012 04:39 PM

I wonder if that's true, or if it's "Common Knowledge"?
The final Thorp T-18 model, the S-18, is folding wing, and the aerobatic gross weight is 1500 pounds. The 'older' T-18 aerobatic gross weight is 1250 lbs.
The folding mechanism is said to be the same for the S-18 and the Mustang II.
I just flew out with the wife to look at an S-18 folder, on a trailer in a garage.
It was a great day trip with wonderful flying, and also wonderful new people to meet.
The aircraft in question is not a flier, more of a restoration project. but the folding wing mechanism was out in the open for easy viewing. I'd say it's pretty straight forward, and similarly strong.

N941WR 01-30-2012 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHIPCHIEF (Post 623812)
I wonder if that's true, or if it's "Common Knowledge"?...

I've got to go with what the builder told me and the Mustang web site.
Quote:

Originally Posted by M-II FAQs
Does the Folding Wing Make It Weaker?

The folding wing modifications for the Mustang II do not change the main wing spar. Ultimate G loading is therefore not changed. The only structural difference is the wing rear spar attachment. From a design standpoint the folding wing version is stronger than the standard fixed wing airplane. This is because a 4130 steel bracket is used on the center section rear spar to attach the outer wing rear spar. The wing has an extra rear spar attach fitting added to sandwich a rod end bearing threaded into the center section steel fitting.

The folding wing is a mechanical device and is therefore more vulnerable to user-induced damage. Because of this, the manual says no aerobatics with the folding wing. The problem is if the wing is damaged while being folded and not repaired before being put through the rigors of aerobatics. We cannot control a circumstance where someone drops the wing while folding it or trailers it improperly and then without completing a proper inspection subjects the aircraft to high inflight loads. The rear spar absorbs the wing's drag load, which is highest during high angles of attack and high airspeeds. There has, however, never been a problem with our folding wing design over the many years it has been used.


Snowflake 01-30-2012 05:57 PM

Sounds like more of a "CYA" than "it's not aerobatic". As with any aircraft used for aerobatics, you want to be sure you know it's history and inspect it carefully before every flight where spirited manoeuvers are to be performed.

LifeofReiley 01-30-2012 06:06 PM

Hmm...
 
I find it totally amazing that the first thread posted referencing to this plane here on VAF was deleted almost ASAP due to a relation/reference to a Barnstormers ad, and this thread is totally ignored by the moderators... go figure. :confused:

Nice plane!

JohnInReno 01-30-2012 06:19 PM

Thought about buying
 
I looked at this plane about 4-5 years ago and what I remember is:

1. Was Subie - converted to o290.
2. Lots of engineering on the folding wings to fit in a garage at Widby? Island.
3. Tested to Utility class.
4. Handheld ICOM mounted as radio.

It was too experimental for me at the time.

If you are really interested, why not contact the seller?

Snowflake 01-30-2012 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingsOnWheels (Post 623000)
It would be great if Vans could off a mod to make the RV with folding wings like the Mustang II. I like the RV better, but the folding wings on the mustange are very cool.

The *tapered* wings on the Mustang II are very cool too... ;)

bhassel 01-30-2012 06:36 PM

The folding wing on the T-18 was designed by the same gentle man that designed the S-18. He also designed the wider fuse mod on the T-18 that you can still get with the plans and that is standard on the S-18. The T-18 plans are no longer sold with the folding wings options (although the wider body options is available) and the S-18 is only available in a kit.

Bob

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHIPCHIEF (Post 623812)
I wonder if that's true, or if it's "Common Knowledge"?
The final Thorp T-18 model, the S-18, is folding wing, and the aerobatic gross weight is 1500 pounds. The 'older' T-18 aerobatic gross weight is 1250 lbs.
The folding mechanism is said to be the same for the S-18 and the Mustang II.
I just flew out with the wife to look at an S-18 folder, on a trailer in a garage.
It was a great day trip with wonderful flying, and also wonderful new people to meet.
The aircraft in question is not a flier, more of a restoration project. but the folding wing mechanism was out in the open for easy viewing. I'd say it's pretty straight forward, and similarly strong.



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