Re: Extra wing rib braces?
Wow! I see no point in those extra braces. All they do is stabilize the ribs, which in my opinion needs no more stabilization due to the main spar cross braces that pass thru and are glued to the ribs near the point where all those extra braces are. The ribs are not really much of a structural part of the wing; all they do is serve to hold the fabric in the proper airfoil shape and hold the trailing edge. The structural part of the wing is the spars and the cross brace/drag tubes. Seems to me that those extra braces are just added weight.
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
My thinking is that since the holes were drilled for the extra bracing on the lateral side of the spar - similar to the shear web on a rib, it likely doesn't weaken the spar significantly. That being said, however, I would't feel comfortable if my name was on the Airworthiness Certificate as the "Manufacturer" and therefore legally responsible for the final design and assembly. Thinking down the future, my main concern would be for you to consider how comfortable you would be selling it as a flying airplane as it is currently assembled when and if that time comes.
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
There's about a 10inch gap between each brace attached to the spar as seen from the wing tip. I'll be opening the wing this weekend for a structures technician to give me his final say.
Thank you so much for your valued opinion.
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
I typed this a few days ago, and then didn't hit the submit reply button, but maybe will now. There have been thousands of these wings built and flown at various weights between Avid Flyers and Kitfoxes, not to mention the other designs that also are copies of them in one form or another.
In fact clear up to 1500 lbs. or more.
That's about1/3 more weight then your 1050 gross weight. I don't believe there were any wings falling apart in the sky. Why do people think they need to improve on an already proven design. JImChuk
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
I don't understand why people think they need to add to a proven design. It was pretty disappointing realizing all these braces were not on the manufacturer drawing.
Thanks for ur post.....
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
1. Not here.
2. Your question is a little confusing, but the only problem with filling holes would be if the rivets were stainless and caused corrosion. Alu rivets would be fine, but in my opinion unnecessary for two 1/8" holes in a 3" tube along its shear center.
3. The wings are covered satisfactorily? I'd leave them. The weight's not worth the hassle and otherwise I can't see a detriment.
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
Guy, did you mean steel rivets causing corrosion? I don't think SS rivets cause corrosion to aluminum. That is what Kitfox supplies for riveting all the pieces to the spars. (I didn't want Johnny worrying about corrosion as well) JImChuk
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
Well, any time you put stainless and aluminum together you get electrolytic corrosion, particularly if you're in a humid or marine environment.
More than you ever wanted to know.
Re: Extra wing rib braces?
The wing coverings are fantastic. I get the dissimilar metal issues. Already added additional inspection holes for my structural technician to inspect the spar. After the braces are removed from the wing ribs, those areas will be inspected and reinforced per the AC43.13-1B.
My thoughts for removing the braces.
1. Not on the original drawing
2. Possibility of a future problem due to vibration where the added braces attached to the wing spars.
Over kill? Probability, but I'm thankful for this forum and all your replies.