I ordered a set of Raceair Skylite plans from Ed Fisher and have been thinking about ultralight-style wing construction. By that, I mean wings that use a strut- and/or wire-braced ladder frame with aluminum tube spar(s) covered in fabric, whether sewn envelopes or more traditional covering systems.
Here are pics of the wing structure and ribs from the 1991 EAA article on Ed's Grand Champion Skylite. According to Ed, the wings were based directly on and almost interchangeable with the CGS Hawk.
There are, of course, many different variations on the basic aluminum tube spar and fabric covering theme. Ed's system does require special Nylon "widgets" at each end of the rib but is otherwise very slick and has a low parts count compared to the old Avid Flyer wings, for example.
What are some of the other ultralight-type wing construction methods that folks here have used? Any thoughts on the pros and cons of various methods?
Cheers,
Matthew
Here are pics of the wing structure and ribs from the 1991 EAA article on Ed's Grand Champion Skylite. According to Ed, the wings were based directly on and almost interchangeable with the CGS Hawk.
There are, of course, many different variations on the basic aluminum tube spar and fabric covering theme. Ed's system does require special Nylon "widgets" at each end of the rib but is otherwise very slick and has a low parts count compared to the old Avid Flyer wings, for example.
What are some of the other ultralight-type wing construction methods that folks here have used? Any thoughts on the pros and cons of various methods?
Cheers,
Matthew
