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Thread: Vortex Generators

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Sep 2009
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    coquille oregon
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    137

    Default Vortex Generators

    I did not find any posts regarding VG's in the search feature on this forum.
    Any experience with VG's on Kitfox Model 1-3 and 4-7 wings.
    I just noticed that Hall the ultralight airspeed indicator company also sells VG kits.
    These VG's appear to be longer and taller than other VG's I have seen and appear to be very easy to line up when installing.
    Any comments regarding VG's on Kitfox's?
    Thanks
    Herman

  2. #2
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
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    Sep 2008
    Location
    Central, MA
    Posts
    1,511

    Default Re: Vortex Generators

    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    FALLBROOK, CA
    Posts
    22

    Default Re: Vortex Generators

    I recently installed Stolspeed VGs on my NSI Subaru Model 4. I studied Project Kitfox and Alex Decesa's great videos to determine placement.
    I placed them at about 4% of cord, right at the top of the leading edge tape. Outer 3 feet of wings with 60mm spacing, the rest of the wing at 90mm. The underside of the horozontal stab was done 4" in front of the hingeline per the Stolspeed directions at 90mm spacing. Goes pretty fast once you get the hang of it. My 1993 build is a little different as it has a Model 4 wing and model 3 fuselage, with differential aileron/flap controls. My elevator and rudders have gap seals made from clear Gorilla tape that work very well. I tested with nearly identical, calm wind conditions on two consecutive mornings. I was flying solo with an estimated total weight of 1000 lbs.

    I think the most significant number for me is full flaps with 2500 RPM (25% power in landing configuration). While the numbers are not huge the percentage is pretty good. At full stall it just shakes a little, nose drops slightly and then it keeps flying straight ahead. Does not want to drop at wing. Feels a little more stable at slow speeds.
    These are indicated MPH on a newer American United Instruments ASI:

    Power off Stall clean no VGs 44 with VGs 40 (4 less)
    Power on 25% clean no VGs 43 with VGs 37 (6 less)
    Power off Full flaps no VGs 37 with VGs 37 (same)
    Power on 25% Flaps no VGs 35 with VGs 32 (3 less)
    Full power cruise 3000' 117 MPH, no change (GPS confirmed)

    Sorry I can't figure out how to orient the photos :-)
    -Kirby

    IMG_7571.jpgIMG_7568.jpgIMG_7567.jpgIMG_7569.jpgIMG_7570.jpgIMG_7563.jpgIMG_7564.jpg
    Kirby Cramer
    Kitfox 4, Built 1993
    NSI/Subaru 98HP, Warp Drive 70" three bade tapered ground adj. @ 22 deg. 90MPH cruise @ 3700 RPM.
    Elison throttle body, Dynon D3 VSI, ForeFlight/Ipad 10",
    uAvionix ADS-B in/out, Narco AT150 transponder, Icom 1220 VHF.
    460 Hours

  4. #4
    Senior Member jmodguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Carmel, IN
    Posts
    744

    Default Re: Vortex Generators

    Jeff
    KF 5
    340KF

  5. #5
    dginok's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Norman, OK
    Posts
    92

    Default Re: Vortex Generators

    Can anyone suggest a good location (percent of chord) for vortex generators on the STI wing?
    Doug
    Super Sport
    912ULS
    Constant Speed IVOProp


  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Mapleton,UT
    Posts
    1,224

    Default Re: Vortex Generators

    I have the STI wing. I am thinking 3” back from leading edge???
    Dustin Dickerson

    Building 7ss STI x 2
    Oratex
    29" shock monster
    EP912STI 155hp
    Garmin
    N33TF......FLYING!
    N53TF......FLYING!

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