skywagon8a
MEMBER
SE Mass MA6
This thread has drifted away from the original question about extended leading edges. IF the leading edge was only 1", the shape of the airfoil in the center of a bay behind the LE would be different than the shape of the airfoil at the ribs. These two airfoils would have different characteristics. The airfoil in the center would be slightly variable due to the ballooning effect of the fabric. According to experts this would be minimal. However, if the leading edge was extended back to the maximum airfoil thickness location, the characteristics would be consistent across the entire span.
Now if there was no difference between the short and the long leading edge, there should be no difference in performance between like airplanes with thick or thin airfoils. Thin or flatter airfoils tend towards efficiency at high speeds. Thicker airfoils tend towards increased lift at lower speeds. Do you want your Cubs to be efficient at low speeds or higher speeds? How would your Cubs perform if the entire wing's airfoil was the same as that with a short leading edge having that in the center of the bay shape?
Personally I will take the full sized airfoil over the entire span.
Now if there was no difference between the short and the long leading edge, there should be no difference in performance between like airplanes with thick or thin airfoils. Thin or flatter airfoils tend towards efficiency at high speeds. Thicker airfoils tend towards increased lift at lower speeds. Do you want your Cubs to be efficient at low speeds or higher speeds? How would your Cubs perform if the entire wing's airfoil was the same as that with a short leading edge having that in the center of the bay shape?
Personally I will take the full sized airfoil over the entire span.