leading edges.options???

[boba65$#]

hey folks....when the cabin eagle plans become available, I want to be ready to rock...........which leaves me with a bunch of questions. The one I have now is.....I keep reading about warping,etc regarding the thin leading edge on these planes. For obvious reasons,mainly cost and weight issues, it needed to be that way. However, with the cabin eagle(especially since I am going with an a65 for power), I am not overly concerned with a few extra pounds here and there(especially if they occur behind the firewall) That being said.......has anyone used, or considered a metal leading edge in lieu of the thin ply? If not, why not, and if so,what are your recommendations? Each of these little creations reflect our personal preferences, but I want to make cautious and logical changes. Comments please........thanks!!

[Sam Buchanan]

hey folks....when the cabin eagle plans become available, I want to be ready to rock...........which leaves me with a bunch of questions. The one I have now is.....I keep reading about warping,etc regarding the thin leading edge on these planes. For obvious reasons,mainly cost and weight issues, it needed to be that way. However, with the cabin eagle(especially since I am going with an a65 for power), I am not overly concerned with a few extra pounds here and there(especially if they occur behind the firewall) That being said.......has anyone used, or considered a metal leading edge in lieu of the thin ply? If not, why not, and if so,what are your recommendations? Each of these little creations reflect our personal preferences, but I want to make cautious and logical changes. Comments please........thanks!!

I don't know the answer to the question I'm raising but it probably needs to be considered.

With most wings designed like the Eagle's the leading edge is structural because it in conjunction with the spar forms a "D" cell which lends tremendous stiffening to the structure. I don't know how a metal leading edge compares in rigidity properties to the wood D-beam. Maybe it is the same, maybe it's better, but it might be worse....I don't know.

Practically speaking, once a metal leading edge is dented, you live with it until the leading edge can be replaced. The wood leading edge should be more resistant to hangar rash.

I like the wood structure.

[boba65$#]

sam......THANK YOU!.......I never really considered the l.e. in wood as THAT kind of a component relationship.............One more reason that I was an a&p,I.A., and not an aeronautical engineer!I was just curious.......think Im gotta stop "slapping-the-snake"......might get bit.

[Leonard]

Hi Cabin Eagle is being taxi tested now and have found a couple of changes that need changing.  Waiting on good weather   1-25- 15

[Kiwi55]

I've noticed some other similar designs use 3 or even 4 strips similar to the leading edge strip distributed around the nose ribs. It would add a little weight, I dont know how  much it would help with making the leading edge less liable to deflection.
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