Clipped Wing Question

[Jim Herpst]

Robert Lees.. You posted a few pictures a pictures a while back of a clipped wing over on your side of the pond. It was called something like the Dart Special (may be wrong on the name) but I recall that it looked to have stock wings... (Just a lot shorter) Appeared to have stock ailerons. Do you have any way to spek with the guy that owns it? I am cureous as to how it flys? I am specifically wondering if the ailerons are heavy feeling as with the short wing it woul appear the stock ones may be a bit of overkill. Perhaps spades would solve it? You mantioned perhaps flying it yourself now that I think about it.
Thanks... wondering in muggy South Carolina

[Robert Lees]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

Jim, it is a Howard T-Minus...pictures here.

I flew it a year or so ago...it rolls like a Pitts! The ailerons appear to be stock, but the wings definitely are not. They have massive spars, 16 ribs per wing, and heavy-gauge drag wires.

Rob

[gmackay]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

Do you know if he used the original metal ribs, or built wood ribs?

Thanks,
Greg

[Robert Lees]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

They are the original pressed ribs, but modified to fit over the thicker spars.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

HMM wonder if the massive spars are necessary. The Swick does not have a bigger spar (I'll re check the plans again though) I am not sure the drag wires are any bigger either on the Swick.

[gmackay]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

Jim, it is a Howard T-Minus...pictures here.

I flew it a year or so ago...it rolls like a Pitts! The ailerons appear to be stock, but the wings definitely are not. They have massive spars, 16 ribs per wing, and heavy-gauge drag wires.

Rob

Robert,
I know this is an old post, but would you happen to know what the wingspan of this aircraft is?
-Greg

[Robert Lees]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

Don't know precisely, but this picture should give some idea.

Sorry for late response.
Rob

[Acroeric]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

using the width of the fuselage and # of scallops I would say 28 feet or so.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

I remember there being 16 ribs per wing, and they are very close together (8", I think) so that would make about 26 feet.

[zero.one.victor]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

Are the clipwing STC's all (both?) for conversion to single place with a center stick? Is there a clipwing STC that uses dual sticks or stock wheels, to allow for 2-place op's?

Eric

[Dennis D'Angelo]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

Eric

The Swick conversion allows you to retain the two-place configuration.

The Swick conversion removes the control wheels and mounts a stick on the aircraft centerline. The stick is centrally located for single-place aerobatics; however, you can fly with two people using this arrangement. The pilots just share the center stick via a "J" tube mounted to the top of the control--very similar to the arrangement that Steve Witman designed into his Tailwind. In this setup the bench seat is retained. When one decides to fly single-place aerobatics they simply drop the inboard rudder pedals, and use a third set of seat belts to secure themselves in the center of the aircraft. This is pretty slick; however, I don't plan to use the setup on my conversion. Your thoughts.

dd

[zero.one.victor]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

So the pilot has his left hand on the stick and his right on the throttle? I can't visualize what you mean by a "J tube" on the stick.

Eric

[Dennis D'Angelo]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

Eric:

Correct. The stick is in the center, between the pilot and the passenger and the "J" tube allows the pilot to fly with his left hand and use the existing throttle placement with his right. Here's how the "J" tube works.

Imagine the "J" is upside down with the long section of the letter inserted into the top of the stick so the curved section passes over your right leg and centers on your body. The "J" tube is not permanently mounted, so either the pilot or passenger can move it for their use or it can be removed for single-seat aerobatic flight. This may sound strange; however, it does work.

Your thoughts.

dd

[zero.one.victor]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

OK, an inverted J- I got it now. That sounds like a slick (swick?) solution to the centerstick/2-place scenario.
Does the throttle remain in the same (center) location?

Eric

[Don Eide]

Re: Clipped Wing Question

dd,

I have two sets of "Swick" clip-wing Taylorcraft plans,
both show the same 2 place and single place stick assemblies,
but are different then what you are explaining If I understand
your explanation.
My plans show the control stick base in the center of the
airplane, like yours. On Drawing No. 9 there is a single control stick.
On Drawing No. 17 there is a 2 place control stick. The tube that
fits into the base is only 2 1/2 inches long and is welded to a "T"
which than goes UNDER your legs and than up between your legs.
The right side is also removeable from the left side. My plans
don't show any other sticks.

Just info.

Don