Design Process: Aileron Types
The size and planform of the ailerons are set by the roll-control power needed to meet flying qualities and maneuvering requirements. Once the designer...
Design Process: Ailerons
Last month we looked at roll control schemes for airplanes where high lift or other requirements do not leave enough room on the wing’s...
Flaperons, Spoilers and Drooping Ailerons
There are some situations where there isn’t enough room on the wing’s trailing edge to split the functions cleanly between an inboard flap and...
Design Process: Roll Control
The primary function of the wing is to generate lift, but it must also incorporate control surfaces to control the airplane in roll.
Design Process: Slots and Slats
Opening a properly shaped slot between the lower and upper surface of the wing near the leading edge can greatly increase the angle of...
Design Process: Droops and VGs
In general, there are two ways to increase the maximum lift of a wing. The first, as we have been discussing the past couple...
Design Process: Flap Types
Last month we took a look at the trade-offs the designer should consider when defining the flap system for the airplane. The choice comes...
Design Process: Flaps
Flaps change the geometry of the wing to allow the pilot to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the airplane to match the needs of...
Laminar- vs. Turbulent-Flow Airfoils
Airfoils break down into two general classes based on the behavior of the boundary layer.
Design Process: Airfoils
Once the size and planform of the wing have been determined, it’s time to choose (or design) the airfoil.
In Case You Missed It
Near Perfect, But Nothing Fancy
We visit Visalia and find California engine builder Ly-Con going strong.
Letters
Custom CockpitsLove your story about cockpit dimensions (Designing from the Inside Out, December 2013),...
Overheard at AirVenture
AirVenture 2021 has just concluded as I scratch this out, making it a good...