In Case You Missed It
Mind the Gap
An ill-fitting joint where the wing joins the fuselage doesn't leap to mind as a foremost source of induced drag, but the effects can be significant.
Wind Tunnel
The author discusses the theory and effect of constant-speed propellers on piston-engine airplane performance, and compares fixed-pitch versus constant-speed props, effect on thrust HP and propulsion, the comprises involved in choosing a prop, how props perform in various conditions and phases of flight, how variable-pitch props work, and why a constant-speed prop is the best choice for high-performance aircraft.
What’s New
Brightline Bags introduces the FLEX flight-bag system, Full Lotus Floats has a new owner, and Victor Technologies debuts a multiprocess welding system.
Design Process: The Rudder
The fixed portion of the vertical tail of an airplane provides directional stability. The...