TR:Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Project/Wing & Tail
From The Collaboratory
Welcome to the LSA Wing & Tail site
Contents |
Latest News
9 September 2010
- A new semester of work is beginning, we hope to pick up where the project left off, with finalizing the current wing folding design. Then we can begin fabrication of some parts not affected by the weight and balance calculations.
30 April 2010
- Wing-folding presentation given for Student Scholars' Expo
- Strut joints and wing-root sliding joint prototypes constructed
- Clearance with trailer geometry confirmed
1 February 2010
- Project work resumed after Christmas Break
- Ongoing work with brainstorming and prototyping of joints
Our Wings
Present Design
- 28 foot wing span
- C channel spar
- Ribs spaced 1 foot
- Aluminum skin
- Riblet BA 30U-A215 Airfoil
- Ailerons and flaps are combined into flaperons
Pictures
We created a full size wing section in January 2007, and mounted it on the front of the ambulance in order to measure the forces on it - see pictures here
Wing-folding
The current LSA design calls for ease of transportation and economic sustainability. This points directly to an ability to fold the wings along the side of the aircraft for smaller storage, along with a simple yet sound design for better replacement costs.
Requirements
- Fold with the use of only one individual
- Fold both wings in ten minutes
Design
- Joints on both ends of the strut, along with a sliding joint located at the root of the wing on the trailing edge
- Strut joints will be threaded rod ends
- The use of universal joints was originally developed, but geometry requirements may allow the limited motion of rod ends
- Rod ends may be cheaper to purchase than flight-grade universal joints
- For a photographic demonstration of the wing folding process, click here
Aerodynamics 101
A brief introduction for those who don't know (or need a reminder) about some flying basics
Wings
Tail
Basic Design Considerations
- Tail needs to be able to counteract the pitching moment of the wing
- Tail must be clear of wake turbulence of the wing, especially when landing
