Van's new carbon fiber wingtips & AeroLEDs VXI - Page 2

greghughespdx · #11 08-02-2022, 04:45 PM

These wingtip/lighting kits will be available in either carbon fiber or fiberglass and will include the AeroLEDs lighting as well as the composite tips. The lights are installed into the wingtips by the builder using an adhesive like Sikaflex and fasteners.

Available to order for RV-7/8/10/14. We will share additional details soon.

CF86301 · #12 08-02-2022, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucmac

If you get those CF wingtips I would not count on the Archer style VOR antenna to work for those that want to install them.

Good catch. Very good catch. Carbon fiber is conductive and will probably block the VOR/ILS signals. If they offer fiberglass, and you want antennas in your wingtips, go with fiberglass, which they say will be offered. But also pay attention to the Archer antenna wiring instructions. May not be feasible to wire the lights as instructed. And I don't know about the room inside the tip, or how to attach the Archer antenna inside the tip. I would ask AeroLeds to make a written promise that it will work, or I would look for a cat whisker, dual blade, or (shudder) towel bar alternative for the nav antenna.

CF86301 · #13 08-02-2022, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greghughespdx

The lights are installed into the wingtips by the builder using an adhesive like Sikaflex and fasteners.

Available to order for RV-7/8/10/14. We will share additional details soon.

Soon as in before the 15% discount expires mid-August? The word "adhesive" makes me nervous, because it makes me wonder about wingtip removability.

greghughespdx · #14 08-11-2022, 02:56 PM

The adhesive is to bond the lights into the wingtips, nothing to do with attaching the wingtips to the wings themselves.

EJWash · #15 08-14-2022, 11:26 PM

Already have my wing kit for my -14 build. Leading edge already cut out for lights/ lenses. Staying the course.

KatanaPilot · #16 11-15-2022, 10:43 AM

Does anyone know if the carbon fiber version of these wingtips will be finish quality? In other words, can you sand and clearcoat the tips and have them look like, say an Aerosport instrument panel?

greghughespdx · #17 11-15-2022, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatanaPilot

Does anyone know if the carbon fiber version of these wingtips will be finish quality? In other words, can you sand and clearcoat the tips and have them look like, say an Aerosport instrument panel?

The wingtips are coated during the manufacturing process, and so the carbon fiber is not visible. The layup is not done in a way that wouldn't appear as a "pretty" pattern if it was clear-coated, plus it would be a heavier finished part and substantially more costly to provide a clear-coat, showroom finish version. Pinhole filling material is first sprayed in the mold, and the cloth is laid up to be as light as possible.

Bavafa · #18 11-15-2022, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greghughespdx

The wingtips are coated during the manufacturing process, and so the carbon fiber is not visible. The layup is not done in a way that wouldn't appear as a "pretty" pattern if it was clear-coated, plus it would be a heavier finished part and substantially more costly to provide a clear-coat, showroom finish version. Pinhole filling material is first sprayed in the mold, and the cloth is laid up to be as light as possible.

How much lighter is this wingtip compared to the standard FG one?

KatanaPilot · #19 11-15-2022, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greghughespdx

The wingtips are coated during the manufacturing process, and so the carbon fiber is not visible. The layup is not done in a way that wouldn't appear as a "pretty" pattern if it was clear-coated, plus it would be a heavier finished part and substantially more costly to provide a clear-coat, showroom finish version. Pinhole filling material is first sprayed in the mold, and the cloth is laid up to be as light as possible.

Thanks Greg. I have delayed going to paint for these wingtips, but it sounds like they might not actually ship Q1 2023 anyway - so I’ll probably just keep the tips and Aerosun VX lights I already have.

greghughespdx · #20 11-15-2022, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatanaPilot

Thanks Greg. I have delayed going to paint for these wingtips, but it sounds like they might not actually ship Q1 2023 anyway - so I’ll probably just keep the tips and Aerosun VX lights I already have.

Hi Krea - Yes, the first orders will not begin shipping until the (currently estimated) timeframe of late January or early February. So Q1 initial shipping is accurate per the plan as it sits right now.