Message #708

Date: Nov 21 2000 10:36:53 EST
From: Ron Wanttaja <ikvamar@gte.net>
Subject: Re: Design Ideas & Landing Gear Vees

Michel Dierick wrote:

> Meanwhile, I already spent a lot of time studying the plans and looking for
> a paint scheme.

Great drawings, Michel, thanks.  I haven't any artistic talent, and
really admire you guys who can crank this stuff out.  I wish I had a few
extra meg on my web site to include stuff like this.

One technical issue I'd like to comment on:

> 2.   Landing Gear.
>       If the two vees are closed, it gives a 'heavy' look at the airplane.
> And as wood as material is very beautiful, it suites the airplane when this 
> wood is varnished instead of painting in a whatever color.
>       Open vees are much more gracefull.
>       Of course: open vees give a bit more drag, but the airplane isn't
> designed to go fast.

Another point is that closed vees reduce yaw stability.  You're adding
vertical surface FORWARD of the CG...it's like adding feathers near the
head of an arrow.  It's not a major point (obviously, folks have been
satisfied with the results) but it's something to consider.

Finally, remember that closed Vees make it harder to inspect the landing
gear condition.  I've got unusual lines on my left gear leg; we're not
sure if it's just bondo coming lose from an old repair or cracking of
the wood itself.  If it had been covered, I probably wouldn't have
noticed the markings.  I'm in the process of replacing the leg, and will
add a note or two to my web page after I "autopsy" the old leg.

Ron Wanttaja