Gurney Flaps

7GC · Post by **7GC** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 22:05

Who has Gurney flaps on a Champ? In the supercub.org forum, someone mentioned seeing them on a Champ. Any thoughts on how they work? How to get them approved?

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 22:39

I wanna know what they look like. If someone's got a picture, doesn't matter what they're on, I'd like to see it.

nkh

csi · Post by **csi** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 09:26

I sent this post to my bro, John in CA. He worked for Dan Gurney for 15-16 years, from IMSA to Indy car. I remember being at Mid-Ohio and my Dad was looking over the car and asking John about the "Gurney Flap" (we didn't know at the time it was invented by Dan) Anyway my brother gave us the history.
I see this post and can't imagine how this would work on an airplane.

Here is a link explaining a Gurney Flap.

http://www.allamericanracers.com/gurney_flap.html

Is this what you meant?

Chris

gusc · Post by **gusc** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 21:07

This is a spoiler, used by gliders forever and by T-Craft on their L-2 of WWII. All airliners use them as well as most large jets.

No exactly earth-shaking news!!

Gurney may have been the first to use them on an auto but it really isn't a flap, just the reverse of a flap.

mike newall · Post by **mike newall** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 12:30

What is interesting is that it replicates the trailing edge of a lot of high performance aerobatic aeroplanes and indeed modern jet aeroplanes, though in most cases the blunt training edge is symmetrical, not on one edge.

The thought behind blunt trailing edges follow similar lines as shown on the link - a small vortex is formed behind the trailing edge which effectively increases the apparent chord.

In this way, it may increase the effectiveness of the wing but now we are into flight testing and as I never had a problem getting in and out of short strips with a Champ, I wouldn't bother.

I think a more tried and tested feature are vortex generators on the wing.