Airfoil shape my horizontal struts – Help !!!!

[rogerh12]

Does anyone know of a good/cheap/easy way to make my round model 4 horizontal stabilizer struts more aero dynamic without replacing them with special airfoil struts?

Thanks

Roger

[Dave S]

Hi Roger,

One way would be to bond some balsa wood to the strut, shape it to the right profile then wrap it with your covering material/shrink and finish the way you would for any fabric covered part.

I haven't looked recently, but, I believe aircraft spruce sells plastic airfoiled covers for round struts for a number of different size tubing.

Sincerely,

Dave S

[chefwarthog]

Hi rogerh12, at any hardware store they have, i am not sure of the name in english ''Door Casing'' (cadrage de porte) made in white PVC, the same that they have made from wood 2¼'' X 7'.
http://www.boulanger.qc.ca/wood-moulding/fiche-produit-A-5-en.php?Sec=1
So you need 4 of those, with a sawbench, trim off the back of a molding so that the smallness edge come to a razor edge. then cut at a 45° the thick side all a long. do the same for all moldings, then glue two of them back to back with epoxy. Now the two 45° cut will do a V style groove that will adapt to your round struts, fix the home made airfoil to the strut with epoxy. Finish with ceconit and paint.

Hope it will help you.

Eric

[Bryan]

Roger I did what Dave S. was saying except I used white pine. It is a little heavier than the balsa but I figured it would hold up better. I then sealed it and covered with the fabric and painted. I have had no problems.