Motivation for fast trikes?

[Big-D]

Because P & M lead the way

AV8 was telling me that Jenya recons a wingtips will increase speed on a trike by 10mph if I am not mistaken? Sounds like it could be worth it for sure

D

[DieselFan]

Surely if you are going to fly 2 hrs regardless then it is great to have some range and options. Only being able to investigate the outskirts of ones airfield eventually gets boring.

I'm struggling to see why there's a market for the slower and larger wings. I remember FF saying she liked the slower wings.

Why have no other manufacturers gone into the "wingtip thingies" yet????

I know of other manufacturers who have tried winglets. They aren't new and some hang gliders were using them back in the 90's - the same manufacture makes trike wings, altho I'm sure for some reason hasn't included or needed them.

[Massimo]

hangpoints, wing tips, smaller wings, 912s.......anybody considering the VNE

[Massimo]

And there's always -

www.sportaircraftworks.com
www.jora.co.za
www.kitfoxaircraft.com

as long as your pockets are deep enough

[andreb]

Hi Freshman. Nice meeting you and the lovely softness at Microland on the weekend.
I beleive my trike (Polaris) is pretty quick, but I am interested in the auto trim gadget, so would be interested to know price and performance. My stall speed is also quite low at approx 30 mph.

[Massimo]

Thanks and you to Andre,
Yes you do have a beauty in your hands (the Polaris), i did not have the pleasure of meeting your softness.
How much faster do you want to go in that thing
These type of gadgets are for the scooters not for the rockets.
From what i can gather prices vary from 3k to 7/8k, depending of who and where etc etc.
On aquilla wing increases speed from 50 to approx 63/65, bar inn maybe 70/75, stall remains between 30/35. Still no comparison to Polaris, GT or Manair.
Where did you get your polaris and how much if you dont mind me asking?

[Biggles]

I think slow wings are more suited to the training function. I persoanlly and never in a hurry to get somewhere. Although haven't had to try and formate with a faster trike yet.

On the subject of wing trimming you can also get a wind surfer type harness with a hook on the front, that fastens around your waist. Using bungy cords on the control bar you hook in applying rear pressure on the bar. This has thesame effect as always pulling in on the bar. I suppose you could have a few knots in the bungy to give you some increments. I have not tried this but sounds feasable. The bungee streach still gives you control.

[Tumbleweed]

Was'nt there a fatality a couple years ago with a father and son?.

Presumed pilot had secured the bar to his waist and hit mid summer turbulance?

Might be mistaken.

[Tailspin]

Was'nt there a fatality a couple years ago with a father and son?.

Presumed pilot had secured the bar to his waist and hit mid summer turbulance?

Might be mistaken.

You are correct Delta.

Although there was no confirmation of the fact but there was evidance found at that was the idea what could have caused the accident.

[Thatchman]

An interesting topic. What are the safety aspects to increasing your speed. I know Andre that you only got your MPL fairly recently so not sure if it is wise to start playing with the speed of your trike at this point. Surely it is better to get 100 hrs or so behind you first.

How many hours should one have before they start experimenting with these type of accessories

[Biggles]

The main idea of the device, that was described to me, would be that it is just hooked on and enough stretch left in the bungee to still have full control and movement on the wing. If I think of the back pressure I give to get a 5 mile/hour increase in airspeed its maybe a kilogram... will have to check that.

Like any additions or alterations its best to pass it by an instructor first.

Personally I am quite happy pottering along at 50mph. And as with everything there is a down side to increased speed, that is increased petrol consumption... I suspect that every wing/ engine combination has an optimal speed/ consumption curve. Determining this is one of the reasons I intend fitting a fuel flow meter.

[andreb]

Thanks Thatchman. One always needs to be reminded now and again.
I am more interested from a safety point of view. I am not in a hurry to get anywhere (not speed freak either), but like just putting a bit of speeed on for short bursts. Anything to make it easier and safer to do would be welcome.
I am a safety first guy and will never put myself or passngers at risk by doing stupid things, flying outside of my capabilities and knowledge, or showing off. I remind myself of this all the time.

[DieselFan]

Lets say in calm conditions or where we aren't in a huge rush...

In one of Damien's clips he mentions how he enjoys the slow speed of his wing while sight seeing. Even with my wing I tend to come in hot +-70. Even at 55-60 hartes dam FLIES by. You want to be able to take in all the different views. Haveing a faster wing Stalls etc apart it does hamper short field landings and I would advise ppl to fit discs all round with these faster wings / mods.

I think I would like a swng wing design like a F14...? Cruise at 20 enjoying sites and around 80 to get back. Sometimes it takes less than 30 mins from Baps to Hartes.

[Big-D]

Demon makes an important point here.

I agree, first find out what Manufacturer and CAA says about mod.

I wanted to install go-fast thingie - P & M were not happy and advised AP to not sign off on my aircraft anymore

Needless to say I decided against the mod

Now I push the bar when I want to go slow and pull when I want to go fast - Same effect, good for the arms.

Speed is lekker though - No way I will be able to fly a 50mph trike again

D

[Perry]

Folks,

Just installed the new DTA Speed System that was sent from the factory and arrived a couple of weeks ago.

This unit works on what could be described as a wiper motor with a sun-planet gear system and adjusts the COG on the double hang/bolt system. Pretty neat.

On the middle pin setting on the wing, the system gave me a range from 43kts to 55kts in neutral. This could be extended from about 40kts to 60kts without too much effort.

On the forward most pin setting the speed changes to a range between 53kts and 68kts in bar neutral. We tried it all the way to 80kts in this position. This translates to a straight and level cruise of 92mph.

The system works well and perhaps gives you another trike to dice?

Regards

Perry