A much faster Kitfox?

[av8rps]

I agree we don't want to lose our short field ability while trying to gain cruise. My 4-1200 even on floats doesnt like to slow down (especially if I compare it to my Highlander) but I've learned how to land it short by slipping it really hard (in initial testing hard enough that I blew out my side windows ), which offsets an airfoil that is too clean to slow down easily, an idle that is a bit too high, and a prop that's not long enough. I'm guessing you are running a 72 inch prop? A med IVO in a longer length I'm sure would help slow my plane down, but with an 80 hp 912 that really isn't an option.

Yeah, our planes will never go as fast as the bigger RV's, but I'm advocating that they should be able to go as fast as the small RV 12, while still being more versatile (skis, floats, big tires, etc). And heck, some of our Foxes are already close to the speeds of that 12, so I think it can be done.

Fast? I once flew a turbo 330 hp Glasair 3 that cruised at 75 percent over 300 mph. And one like it clocked over 400 mph at Reno this year. So if I ever REALLY want fast, I'm probably going that route.

What I'm getting at with a faster Kitfox is having the ability to go 10 or 20 mph faster when trying to get somewhere when dealing with that all too common headwind. And I'm convinced that our little Kitfoxes have that potential if we can just share some ideas.

[Slyfox]

not sure what my prop is 70 or 72. I called and ask for and got one. have to go measure. it's perfect in my opinion. I like to slip hard as well, that's how come I can do the 10ft off the numbers for a base turn and to slow down more on the home stretch I flatten the wings and keep in the hard full rudder until I have the right speed to touch down, than I let go of the rudder and full stick back ya baby. gotta love that fox

[SWeidemann]

Getting back to the faired in fuselage bottom to enclose the landing gear, does anyone know of drawings, plans or a parts modification available? (For a retro-fit or new build).

Thanks much,

Skot

[Slyfox]

I personally have thought of doing this. would like to hear more. also the fairing on the rear horizontal brazes sound good as well. now I have the nice cowl for the front of the radiator, haven't put it on yet either. too much time flying not enough time to do things I guess.

[Kurt.A]

I think this is a great idea. Anything that reduces drag certainly has to help fuel economy which means more flying time, more accessories etc. With my limited knowledge of aerodynamics I do have a question. What effect does reduced drag have on stall speed? Does it remain the same speed? Will the warning indicators prior to stall change?

[PapuaPilot]

Kurt,

Reducing drag will not affect the stall speed. Without going deep in the aerodynamics the only real factor on a Kitfox would be the weight.

A plane with less drag will be harder to slow down for landing.

[HighWing]

Kurt,

Reducing drag will not affect the stall speed. Without going deep in the aerodynamics the only real factor on a Kitfox would be the weight.

I thought on this thought. The guy I helped modify his Avid reported on the effects of the mod. He had presented his elevator with a set of full size drawings that I followed while doing the mod. He reports that it increased elevator area by 30% and reduced stall apeed by 8 mph. Lots of talk in the past on the Kitfox sites on increasing elevator authority so as to be able to do a true three point landing. Increasing elevator area might be the best solution.