Trailing edge False Ribs

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Trailing edge False Ribs

All production changes DO NOT make it on to the official drawings (even today) and all drawings ARE NOT the last version! Nobody said restoring one of these would be easy (but it is fun).

Hank

[Scott]

Re: Trailing edge False Ribs

I'm not certain without doing more research, but there may have been a design change in the aileron cove itself. I don't remember the pre war cove having the bead rolled in and the edges folded over and riveted. I think the older ones may have just had a flange with a broke edge. If that is the case that would be the difference between needing the braces and not needing them.

Right you are. A closer look at the photo of the truss wing Mark posted above confirms the Cove panel update.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Trailing edge False Ribs

Went out and looked at mine (didn't trust my memory) and it has only ONE false rib in the last bay outboard in front of the aileron.

Hank

[TimHicks]

Re: Trailing edge False Ribs

See a pic of my wing attached (I hope).

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Trailing edge False Ribs

We need to figure out when (and if) a change in production happened (and why). Might not even be possible.

Hank

[Scott]

Re: Trailing edge False Ribs

Seems clear that 3Dreaming has it right. The change occurred with the change in aileron cove panel design, and it appears likely this coincided with the switch over to stamped ribs. The wing drawing was apparently only partially updated.

The upper edge (cap) of the later coves is formed into a triangular cross-section and riveted. Much stronger, more rigid compared to the previous design with a simple 90+ degree flange. The stronger coves eliminated the need for the inter-rib support.

It will be good to have this explanation if ever I'm asked (possibly during the certification process of CF-CLR).

Thanks to everyone for finding a credible answer.
S