Covering an ultralight wing with Monokote

[Chris Wells]

I was wondering about the feasability of covering a wing on an ultralight with Monokote, which is normally used on R/C aircraft. If the tensile strength is too low, could you use 2 or more layers?

[Morgans]

"Chris Wells" > wrote in message
...
>
> I was wondering about the feasability of covering a wing on an
> ultralight with Monokote, which is normally used on R/C aircraft. If
> the tensile strength is too low, could you use 2 or more layers?


Damn, that would be $$$expen$ive!

Also, since wing loading for models is in the ounces to a pound or two per
square foot, and full scale is 10 to 15 pounds and up, I would wonder about
it.

Ribs work best to reduce sag on models, about 4 inches apart. I wonder
about how it would sag on full size?
--
Jim in NC

[.Blueskies.]

"Morgans" > wrote in message ...
>
> "Chris Wells" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> I was wondering about the feasability of covering a wing on an
>> ultralight with Monokote, which is normally used on R/C aircraft. If
>> the tensile strength is too low, could you use 2 or more layers?
>
>
> Damn, that would be $$$expen$ive!
>
> Also, since wing loading for models is in the ounces to a pound or two per square foot, and full scale is 10 to 15
> pounds and up, I would wonder about it.
>
> Ribs work best to reduce sag on models, about 4 inches apart. I wonder about how it would sag on full size?
> --
> Jim in NC
>

Way back when there was a Citabria (I think) that was covered with Monokote...I think they put it over the fabric
though...

[Chris Wells]

Damn, that would be $$$expen$ive!




I was thinking it wouldn't be too bad, considering I could do it myself...sails cost $1000+...

[[email protected]]

I've thought about this - and intend to try something similar in the
future. Tedlar has been proven to work on ultra lights so the concept
is sound. Monokote is pretty high priced and seems to tear easily once
the rip starts.

For a more inexpensive option you might investigate the material I have
in mind - boat shrink wrap. It's very inexpensive comes in a few
colors and thickness, is as tough as Tedlar, and probably could be
installed with similar methods. The tape used I know for a fact has
the durability and grip strength for ultra light applications. Look
for "preservation" tape.

As with anything experimental do the tests your self to verify the
materials and methods. My only real world experience with this kind of
material has been with the cheap clear shrink type sold in hardware
stores for storm window fabrication. It has some draw backs but will
hold together for a surprising length of time on a structure like a
rudder or elevator - at speed to 80 MPH. Never done a wing with
it............yet
================
Leon McAtee

[.Blueskies.]

> wrote in message ups.com...
> I've thought about this - and intend to try something similar in the
> future. Tedlar has been proven to work on ultra lights so the concept
> is sound. Monokote is pretty high priced and seems to tear easily once
> the rip starts.
>

Just have to be sure that it does not shrink too much. I can see that boat wrap stuff crushing a light wing
structure....