wood to carbon fiber conversion?

E

ebetancourt

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Ernie
There are some really good old designs that were originally built with wood, that would be really great in carbon fiber. The Falco for one, and the VJ22 Amphib (Which would easily be Light Sport in CF).

Is there anyone doing this sort of thing (and talking about it)? Books on equivalent sizes, or?

Ernie
 
Interesting thought. Can you use the same assembly techniques that would be used with wood.
 
damonb said:
Interesting thought. Can you use the same assembly techniques that would be used with wood.
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Define "technique"... Can it be done, you bet, cheapest way is to use an assembled plane as a plug and make a mold set in which to do your lay up. Another way is to take the plans to the guys who cut 3D molds. If you have a CNC tape or most any format of CAD design they can work with it, otherwise you'll be paying for converting the lines drawings to a 3D .DWG or similar file. Structural engineering and construction will have to be developed from scratch, but you will have the same shape. Most of those plans/kits though are old and it would be a mistake to use the same airfoils they do, there are much better shapes available now, safer and faster.
 
Henning said:
...it would be a mistake to use the same airfoils they do, there are much better shapes available now, safer and faster.
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The VJ-22 was actually designed to use "other" wings. Originally a Champ, but I think others have been used.

It looks to me like it would out Icon an Icon and there are several that actually fly... imagine that.

Ernie
 
nyoung said:
Sorta an example of this... CubCrafters makes a version of the SuperCub made out of carbon fiber. It's worth a google/youtube. Amazing takeoff/climb performance.

http://www.cubcrafters.com/carboncubss
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Not really a carbon fiber cub. Still a tube and fabric airplane, just with a bunch of lightened components, many of 'em made of carbon fiber (like the panel, the cowl, etc.) The "Carbon" name is just a marketing ploy.
 
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