Composite Leading Edge

[desertfox1]

I have some pictures of Bill Prokes installing LLE on a SS wing.
The PVC guide blocks had been bonded on. The new parts
come in two pieces, joined on number 5 rib. It took about 2
hours to fit, trim and Hysol the wing. The trim saw Bill used
was almost magic. Fast, very little glass dust. Sure looks
good after covering.

Desert Fox 1

[SSFoxBuilder]

Does anybody know why the composite "Laker" leading edge wasn't designed to completely cover the top false ribs? Was this for aerodynamic or aesthetic purposes? Weight savings, possibly?

[desertfox1]

The airfoil designer, Harry Riblett, asked for at least 6" from
the leading edge. We met the requirement for aerodynamic
purposes and stretched just a little for appearance. Weight
is allways a consideration.

Phil

[SSFoxBuilder]

Noted. Thanks for the insight!

[avidflyer]

Does this system extend out past the front spar, and if so how much. I know that the Kitfox 4 used a plastic piece glued to the front spar to extend and streamline it, does this fiberglass piece take the place of that plastic extention? Both of the Avid Flyer MK IVs I've owned used a sheet of aluminum which was glued to the spar and covered the falseribs. It didn't extend the front spar forward however. Thanks, Jim Chuk

[jiott]

Yes it does use small pieces of the plastic extrusion placed at intervals along the front spar to make the fiberglass leading edge conform to the shape and spacing of the original full length extrusion.

Jim

[mr bill]

I did not scallop my leading edges and there is not a pronounced "edge" under the fabric. Using the Stewart System adhesive was new to me, but I liked it being water based, very strong bond and easy to get off your fingers.

[jrevens]

I see that there is a water-soluble transparent coating of some sort on my Laker leading edges. It's kind of a mess getting it off. It's very thin, and some of it stripped off when removing the tape used for shipping. Anybody else notice this?

[AirFox]

Your suppossed to use soap and water to wash it off. The film just disolves.

Scott

[jrevens]

Thanks, Scott! I guess I'm pretty stupid about fiberglass stuff.