Dan:  Having flown frequently in various 200 and 360 style of Lancairs,I find copious advantages to the long wing and just a few mild disadvantages.

 

The long wind advantages are:

    -slower takeoffs

    -slower landings

    -less tire wear (takeoffs are shorter)

    -less brake wear (landings are shorter)

    -lower stall speed (57 mph in my 360 at gross)

    -all of above permit more options to use short fields

    -faster climb (more wing lift)

    -longer glide (more wing area)

    -faster speeds at all altitudes (lower angle of attack at all speeds)

    -slower lateral roll rate (makes chop and turns more comfortable for pilot and passenger)

    -safer accident speeds (minimum landing speed is reduced)

    -accidents are more survivable (no one would get hurt at 10 mph)

    -traffic pattern flying is safer (slower speeds possible because of lower stall speed)

    -time to climb to altitude is reduced

    -engine out glide is improved (more time to "think" and maneuver to alternatives)

    -more fuel capacity (I don't recommend this option; 1000 mile range is plenty)

 

The several disadvantages are:

    -reduced maneuvering speeds (potential to overstress our quite strong wings)

    -reduced wing loading causes (nearly) imperceptible reduced comfort in chop

 

The above lists are not exhaustive and surely others will add or subtract.

 

Remember that Lance endorsed the long-wing which suggests that the longer wings don't challenge structural integrity in our planes.  Also remember that it was not by accident that Nature designed long-distance birds to have long, thin, narrow wings; they are simply more efficient and energy efficient at flying.  OTOH, if you fly gut-wrenching, severe "G's", then long wings will not answer.

 

Dan, I recommend that you not make those longer wingtips removable; you won't remove them after you fly them.   Greg Nelson  (LNC2)