SonexBuilders.net

Simple question; - Why don't Sonex aircraft have wing root fairings?

AND

Would correctly designed wing root fairings, make any positive difference to handling/performance (speed)?

AND

An invitation, to anyone who has made & installed their own wing root fairings, to post photos and comment on changes to their aircrafts handling/performance

I think Mike Smith is the person for this. He did some experimenting with fairings

I used the rubber seals from a Zenith CH650 the kit for which I gave up on and sold when the folding (in-flight) wing problem became apparent. Have seen similar in Aircraft Spruce catalog. 10+ years no problems.

David A.

Rubber channel from Vans Aircraft. Took some effort to install but looks good and works well.

Are we talking root fairings....or seals here?

Area 51% wrote:Are we talking root fairings....or seals here?

I was assuming fairings, which is why I didn't link in my electrical tape experience (70 hours and counting) here.

In this context;

Fairings - aerodynamic (some say aesthetic) devises intended to to improve air flow (streamlining) so enhancing aircraft efficiency (speed & sometimes handing).

Seals- material/devise used to prevent the ingress of air/water/dust/bugs/noise and give a finished look to the abutment/intersection of two surfaces.

My Sonex wings already have "rubber" seals between wing root and fuselage.

My interest is the aerodynamic efficiency of the standard Sonex wing to fuselage "treatment" and can it be improved by adding wing root fairings.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3641&start=10&hilit=Tuft+testing

Visually, the flow is better, but it's not clear there are quantifiable benefits.

I have two observations:
1) It's not broken
2) Weight is the enemy

I am a big fan of Kent Paser's book "Speed with Economy." But for my 672 lb 80 HP Waiex, observation #2 holds me in check unless something is broken.

Bryan Cotton wrote:I have two observations:
1) It's not broken
2) Weight is the enemy

I am a big fan of Kent Paser's book "Speed with Economy." But for my 672 lb 80 HP Waiex, observation #2 holds me in check unless something is broken.

Agreed Bryan! however my overriding interest is fuel econamy/range. Any modification that enhances my Sonex's range, is worth exploring.

Unlike the USA, Australia has vast distances between many of its airfields and not all will have fuel of any kind (particularly ULP) so range becomes a serious consideration, if the pilot wants to "tour" (I do).

I already have additional wing tanks (with a weight penalty) and if not carrying a passenger, two 20L/fuel bladders that can be carried on the right seat (fuel not transferable in flight).

My guess is, if wing root fairings added 5 knots, for a given engine/fuel flow setting, it would be worth doing.