Converting Trike wing to Topless

Junkie · Postby **Junkie** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:55 am

Anyone contemplated this yet - talk around the camp fire suggests some want to use existing sail and build their own

Seems possible to replace the Lower side main cables with struts that should then do away with top side mains, but how does one ensure keel stiffness and the trailing edge luff, etc is maintained, etc

.. maybe Jen can comment on this

Junkie · Postby **Junkie** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:20 pm

Ok - let me put it this way

why shouldnt one attempt to do this ?

Your input will be highly appreciated

Junkie · Postby **Junkie** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:56 pm

..

...
Ok, another tack ..

has anyone had one converted for them
.. or thought better of it and just bought a new one since ?

I know of 2 new Topless wings flying here in the Cape ...

Postby **Morph** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:14 pm

Is there a structural difference in the wing itself? I would think so. Junkman do you honestly want to be the test pilot on this

Junkie · Postby **Junkie** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:15 pm

No fear.. but i am really curious as to what it takes to make a topless wing and if it is possible to modify an existing one

Somebody somewhere is going to try it and end up dead or a happy puppy

FAWGie · Postby **FAWGie** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:51 pm

You tried barnstorming yet? It will have the same effect....okay, sorry - I know this is a serious topic...

Junkie · Postby **Junkie** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:59 pm

Hee hee

also known as a "Standing Pipe" but my luck the darn thing would'nt stop leakin

Damn fine idea FAWgie.. if only i could lay my hands on that RV o' yours you can be friggin sure id barnstorm with it

.. always had an urge to fly arse-over- eels and was always trying to do this in gliders back in the good/bad ol days (made my instructors sick more than a few times) .. sadly not going to happen in a trike - Topless or not!

Practically speakin we know theres a lot going for topless - hangering, easy derig, fold back wings for trailering without removing, peformance, etc

The norm with the Capies as always is to "investi-bate" about such things alla time and some of us are daft enuf to try stuff like this (moi excluded)

I think well let this one die a quite dignified death anyway an give Jen a call to see if its worth the hassle

Arnulf · Postby **Arnulf** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:26 pm

Hi,

I know of a wing that is apparently being converted to "topless" I will try to get more info.

Regards,
Arnulf

FAWGie · Postby **FAWGie** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:51 am

demon wrote:i prefer topless softness personally, i like my kingpost just whee it is
of cos some dumb oke's build hangars and forget about a kingpost, and then have to sell their trikes cos it wont fit in the top shop

Okay, so I'm still wiping off the egg...

Junkie · Postby **Junkie** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:59 am

"Microlighters steadily picks away at the veneer and ultimately reveals all to the world"

Thanks Arnulf.. appreciated

Miskiet · Postby **Miskiet** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:41 am

Jenya's topless wing has a thick cable running inside the aluminium strut (for safety).

He can convert existing wings to topless but I think it will be more hassles to get CAA approval than to do the mod.

The topless wing is very fast! It doesn't stall either (2 x 95kg pax and pushing bar against the profile tube). The whole wing felt very rigid and secure to me. I definetely think it is the way to go if you want a new wing....

Arnulf · Postby **Arnulf** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 6:36 pm

Hi Junkie,

The wing I mentioned is also at Jenya. At this stage no new info. If I know more, I will let you know.

Regards,
Arnulf

Junkie · Postby **Junkie** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:33 pm

Tx Miskiet:
Can appreciate the safety cable.. how is the sail movement "billow shift" taken care of or is the whole thing more rigid ?

Eagerly await any info - there are of course a number of imports available, at a price (& rising) ..

.. which way to go now is the question
- local / import
- larger / small wing
- RST or conventional span
- effective range 35 - 90mph

hhhmmmmm ...
:D :D

Arnulf · Postby **Arnulf** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 6:08 pm

Hi Junkie,

I met alanmack at Microland today. He has a topless wing from Jenya. Unfortunately the wing was folded up, so I could not check it out in its full glory. Alan seems to be quite happy with it. For more info maybe pm him.

I am still waiting with baited breath to see the wing that Jenya is converting to topless. should be finished soon.

You mention that there are a couple of imports available. So far I could only find the italian Hazzard. Are there any others available?

Regards,
Arnulf

DieselFan · Postby **DieselFan** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 10:47 am

Arnulf wrote:Hi Junkie,

I met alanmack at Microland today. He has a topless wing from Jenya. Unfortunately the wing was folded up, so I could not check it out in its full glory. Alan seems to be quite happy with it. For more info maybe pm him.

I am still waiting with baited breath to see the wing that Jenya is converting to topless. should be finished soon.

You mention that there are a couple of imports available. So far I could only find the italian Hazzard. Are there any others available?

Regards,
Arnulf

What about the "North Wing" topless?

Converting Trike wing to Topless

Converting Trike wing to Topless

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