I'm redoing my panel in our RV-9A and am installing an 8 ounce second bent whip comm antenna on the bottom of the fuselage in the back for a second comm radio. It will go just aft of the F-708 fuselage bulkhead on left side near the area where the side skin joins the bottom skin. The antenna comes with an .060 doubler and this location is closest to two ribs and will hopefully make the installation rigid. This spot was chosen because it puts it furthest away from an existing ADS-B antenna and a Nav antenna in the far back.
Because the fuselage tapers toward the back, if I install it parallel to the centerline, the end of the antenna will slightly stick out past the side of the plane. If I twist it slightly in toward the center it will more parallel the taper of the plane and not stick out. I don't think it will make a significant difference drag-wise either way since flights are more often subject to crosswinds and quartering tailwinds that disturb the airflow. If I move it toward the centerline, I lose the benefit of the stiffness provided by the rib joining the side and bottom skins.
Opinions? thanks
Because the fuselage tapers toward the back, if I install it parallel to the centerline, the end of the antenna will slightly stick out past the side of the plane. If I twist it slightly in toward the center it will more parallel the taper of the plane and not stick out. I don't think it will make a significant difference drag-wise either way since flights are more often subject to crosswinds and quartering tailwinds that disturb the airflow. If I move it toward the centerline, I lose the benefit of the stiffness provided by the rib joining the side and bottom skins.
Opinions? thanks