WingsOnWheels
Well Known Member
I just saw this on Barnstormers. Has anyone seen this plane in person, I wonder what mods were done to work this out. Reminds me of the Mustang II.
In college we had a lab where we had to redesign the wing attach bolts for a T-34 and perform testing in the lab to prove it...my group used, and PROVED that you could make zip ties work for up to utility category strength!
Just doesn't look like it will fit back into that hangar.
Just doesn't look like it will fit back into that hangar.
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)
Good question. The folding Mustang II referenced in some of these posts is not aerobatic.I wonder if its still aerobatic?...
I've got to go with what the builder told me and the Mustang web site.I wonder if that's true, or if it's "Common Knowledge"?...
M-II FAQs said: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.
The *tapered* wings on the Mustang II are very cool too...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.
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.