From: "Scott Dahlgren" <dahlgren@itsnet.com>
To: "___Lancair list" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: speed tips
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 08:26:54 -0600
Message-ID: <001f01bdf77e$b15ddae0$0d5c29c0@scottdah>
Importance: Normal
Mime-Version: 1.0

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I am also on the glassair list and thought some of you might like this.
they seem to like the low drag of our birds.

from glassair low drag tips:

1. Redesigned wingtips. Sort of like what you might see on the new Dornier
commuter plane.
2. Engine inlet, with guide baffles and induction system tube that
purportedly
increased ram air pressure a couple of inches for normally aspirated
engines.
I have seen one Glassair with a Lancair type cowl.  Don't know if this is
any
better than what a Glassair comes with. I have to say that before I did some
work on getting my CHT's within normal range my plane went 6kts faster. Now
that
I have the cooling problem licked I'm interested in how the engine cooling
air
exits the cowl.  I think this area of cooling drag and how to clean it up is
well know to the guys in RENO.
3. Wing fillets. Both on the leading and trailing edge of the wing where it
meets the fuselage. (cuts down on interference drag)check out the wing
fillets
on a P-40 Warhawk (Kittyhawk to you Brits) I've often thought that as wing
fillets go, wouldn't putting small Vortex Generators in the same area as the
Fillets accomplish the same thing as a Fillet? A lot less work!. Where are
the
Aeronautical experts when you need them.
4. Gap Seals everywhere!
5. NO Cowl Flaps! I here they don't accomplish a thing on a G-III
6. Reflexed wing.  Haven't seen this on a Glassair yet, this is where you
can
actually, (if you build it) bring the flaps and ailerons up a few degrees in
cruise flight.
7. Fairing the Gear doors.
8. No external antennas.
9. Building the kit so no trim is required. The Glassair has no wing twist
or
wash our towards the ailerons. Maybe this will help? Don't ask me about how
it
influences the airplanes stall.
10.Make sure the distance between the Spinner and the cowl is as small as
possible.
11.No leaks in the door seals. Absolutely sealed!
12.Finally, when your all done, take your kit to NASA in Cleveland OH and
put it
in the wind tunnel.  Place yarn tuffs all over the wetted area and see where
the
turbulent airflow shows up. Correct the turbulence.
13.Build a plenum chamber over the engine.

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