There was an article in Sport Aviation some time ago, but this year, that
featured an aircraft designed by a Canadian designer I think that had a small
winglet that had two parts, angled to different degrees that he stated he had
wind tunnel tested and found to benefit his aircraft design. They looked to be
about 6 inches tall each and at different angles relative to the main wing.
The Varieze and Longeze have winglets to serve as both improvements to
aerodynamics and act as rudders, and also the Lancair IV is using them, maybe
even the Legacy. In certificated aircraft I have seen many King Airs and
similar aircraft of late model production incorporating them including the
Cirrus SR20, & SR22. How much benefit they receive from the use of winglets I
don't know, but I would think that most of the benefit for small aircraft would
be in slower flight, like landing when wingtip vortices will be the most
prevalent for them. As Mark stated I don't think that there is that much to be
gained in smaller aircraft, unless they have say over 200 knot cruise speeds.
I believe the Dan Diehl tips, or Horneir tips (found on the Zodiac 601)
accomplish any gains to be had in our small planes just fine. Most of their
gain comes from preventing higher pressure air trying to get from the underside
of the wing over the edge to the top, so I would think you would have to be
producing alot of lift in order to see significant gains. Just opinions...
Colin Rainey KR2(td)
crain...@cfl.rr.com
Sanford, Florida
FLY SAFE!!!!
