Covering struts kf5

[gizmos]

Any pictures on using the foam board with fiberglass to make the airfoils on struts? Or is everyone going with plastic covers? Any other options?

[Jerrytex]

Here is what I used. I am betting a sheet metal shop could make these. I used a piece of wood moulding to contour the lead edge

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=3550

Here are a couple pics:

[Geowitz]

I'm still waiting to try them out... weather has been crappy, but I had a friend with a brake bend up some trailing edges out of regular aluminum flashing material. He took a 5 foot by 5 inch strip and bent it lengthwise in the middle to about 22.5 degrees. So basically you have a 2.5 inch "V". I then taped them to the trailing edge of the strut every few feet and got them lined up and then permanently used this tape...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IF5S/..._M3T1_ST1_dp_1

It is quite strong once you get all the tape on and doesn't look all that bad. You could make foam ribs for reinforcement if you like, but I didn't yet and it's plenty strong for flight forces at least. My main goal for this go around was for proof of concept. Total cost was the tape from amazon and about $24 in 2 - 10" x 10' flashing rolls from the local hardware store..

I'll throw up some pics tonight.

[Geowitz]

Here are some pics. Can't wait to try them out and I'll report back once I have some data.

[Av8r3400]

Geowitz - Those are the Kitfox plastic farings?

[Geowitz]

No,sorry, the explanation is in my previous post. I guess the white makes it tricky too. The white "V" is prepainted .016 aluminum flashing bent to about 22.5 degrees with 2.5 inch legs. Then I just taped them on the trailing edge of the strut for a cheap and extremely light fairing. If this weather ever breaks I can get out and test them.