Barnaby Wainfan
Barnaby is a Technical Fellow for Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Design organization. A private pilot with single-engine and glider ratings, Barnaby has been involved in the design of unconventional airplanes including canards, joined wings, flying wings and some too strange to fall into any known category.
Design Process: Flaps
Flaps change the geometry of the wing to allow the pilot to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the airplane to match the needs of...
Laminar- vs. Turbulent-Flow Airfoils
Airfoils break down into two general classes based on the behavior of the boundary layer.
Design Process: Airfoils
Once the size and planform of the wing have been determined, it’s time to choose (or design) the airfoil.
Design Process: Stall and Roll Damping
Last time we took a look at the effect of twisting the wing. Wing twist is used to adjust both the spanwise distribution of...
Design Process: Twist Effects
For the last few months, we have been looking at how the planform affects both the distribution of lift and the distribution of lift...
Design Process: Distribution of Lift Coefficient
In the last few months, we have explored how planform and taper affect both the distribution of total lift across the span and the...
Design Process: Planform Effects on Structure and Weight
Last month we took a look at how the planform of the wing affects the spanwise distribution of lift along the wing. The shape...
Design Process: Planform Effects on Span Loading and Drag
Last month we started our discussion of wing planforms with a look at the various planform shapes in use. We now turn our attention...
Design Process: Planform Shape
Last month we took a look at the effects of span and aspect ratio. At this point on the design of the wing, we...
Design Process: Span and Aspect Ratio
At this point in the design process we have determined the wing area. The choice of high- versus low-wing and structural concept of the...
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
Electric motors, major repairs, combining parts from several kits, using completed wings.
Pondering Powerplants
Since the beginning, homebuilders have gazed upon the engine lurking under the cowl of a certified light aircraft and thought, There has got to be a better way. Rick Lindstrom looks at several aeromotive engine conversions, from the practical to the semi-exotic.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick Starks offers some sage advice about how to get back to working on a project that has been sidelined for too long.
25th Anniversary: Builder Assistance
Builder-assistance programs continue to grow and change to accommodate both builders needs and FAA regulations. By Mary Bernard.