[Tango Sierra]

OK, newbie here.
I am thinking that ya'll have probably had this question a 10,000,000,000 times, but does anyone have a source on decent pre-cast wing root fairings for RV-8's. It seems the project simply will not get finished and since I want fariings but have somehow developed a horrible allergic reaction to all things fiberglass and resins in general, I thought maybe someone has a source on something I don't have to get sick for.

Best,
Tango Sierra

 

[Ron Lee]

Possible source here

http://fairings-etc.com/

 

[Tango Sierra]

Thanks

Thanks, they have nothing listed for RV-8 as far as wing root.

 

[Sid Lambert]

The -8 calls for a aluminum and rubber wing root fairing. The -3, -4 and -6 originally called for a fiberglass fairing but most use the new style rubber channel.

 

[Transporter]

RV8 Wing Root

Another consideration:

Read Randy Lervold's writeup regarding his upper gear intersection fairings and stall speed/buffet, etc. http://www.romeolima.com/RV8/Flying.htm

Not to say that wing root fairings can't/shouldn't be done...but you may or may not like the result.

Mike

 

[pierre smith]

They're slower than Van's..

...wing root fairings. Several years ago an owner complained about his -6 not meeting Van's published speed. Someone advised him to remove the radiused fiberglass fairings and went stock and picked up around 7 MPH.

Regards,

 

[David Shelton]

Advice

Properly designed wingroot fairings are one of the best aerodynamic improvements for RVs. But... most of them are shaped wrong.

The general strategy is to start with a very small radius at the leading edge. Starting near the thickest part of the wing, the fairing radius should begin to grow. Here is an example of a nice wingroot on a sailplane:

You don't need to make a GIANT fairing. If the fairing is too large, the added weight and wetted area will outweigh the benefits.

I know everybody likes to claim that their mods add 10 knots... but realistically, you may get 1-2 knots if you do this right. I've noticed a lot of people make their fairings backwards, beginning with a large radius at the LE and tapering it to a smaller radius further back. Don't do that!

Another easy gain is to seal your flaps. The leading edge of your flap should nest against a strip of foam-rubber when it is retracted. This keeps high pressure air beneath your wing from spilling out the top and creating interference drag.

David