Vortex Generators or not?

Post-War Aeronca Champ airplanes
Post Reply
CptKelly
Posts: 673
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 09:14
Contact:

Vortex Generators or not?

Post by CptKelly »

For you out there who have installed VG's on your Champ, what improvements have you observed, if any. Are they worth it? What brand do you have. What do they cost for a certified plane?

Thanks,

Mike
User avatar
joea
Site Admin
Posts: 5993
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2004 13:01
Location: Phoenix Arizona
Contact:

Post by joea »

Mike,

Found these using the search engine. Over 30 posts on these two threads alone so a bit of info.

Joe

http://joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t= ... ght=vortex

http://joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=14681#14681
User avatar
Nathan K. Hammond
Posts: 2371
Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2004 00:22
Location: Danville, KY (DVK)
Contact:

Post by Nathan K. Hammond »

Mike, I flew a VG-Champ about a year ago. What I noticed immediately was the aleron effectiveness; they were nice and firm down at low speed. Climb might have a been a little better, but not having flown the before and after version I'm not sure. Overall, it made the low speed ( <50mph ) much more comfortable.

I believe Micro have the only certified version for the 7-series @ $700...
http://microaero.com/CS_PDF/AmChamp/Champ_Chief_CS.html

Are they worth it..... I think so, and plan to install them on my new wings.

nkh
7AC-5691
Super 85-12F @ DVK
WWhunter
Posts: 599
Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 08:34
Location: God's Country-The boonies of Northern MN
Contact:

Post by WWhunter »

Mike,

I can't really tell you the difference with/without them. The only Champ I have ever flown is the one I own and it has VG's on it. I can tell you that it is nearly impossible to stall if you keep your feet working....it just mushes along. and as others have said, aileron authority is good even when you are sinking like a rock. The VG's are Micro Aerodynamics.
If you want to come visit me in this winter wonderland (got dumped on this weekend, 12-18" snow) you are more than welcome to take it up for a spin and try it!

Keith
Jon B.
Posts: 146
Joined: Mon Nov 21, 2005 09:30
Location: Minnesota
Contact:

Post by Jon B. »

I have about 175 hours on my 7EC and will soon install VGs. The plan is to do before and after tests to see if there are objective differences.

It may 'feel' different but I'd like to know if it *is* different, and in what way(s).

I'll keep y'all informed when it's done. Have to get them painted first.

Jon B.
Jon B.
gcgilpin
Posts: 27
Joined: Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:37
Contact:

Post by gcgilpin »

Installed Landshorter VGs on my 11CC floatplane (at about 6% of wing chord). Didn't notice much difference on takeoff (maybe slightly be easier to lift a float).

On approach the plane is noticeably more stable. Very solid feeling at low speeds and wings aren't mushy. Airplane 'floats' longer.

Power-off stalls were impressive. The airplane hits the stall point (eventually), the nose bobs down a bit and immediately starts flying again (VSI indicates about -100 feet per minute during this 'bobbing' behaviour). All the while the plane feels very solid and responsive.

Haven't tried any power on stalls yet.
Post Reply