VideoFlyer wrote:

Well, considering the differences in chord, span and thickness,
my guess is - it won't fit.


Well duh.

Dang...there go my plans for this weekend! LOL!

I realize that it wouldn't fit. I guess my question is more along the lines
of:

"With a thinner wing, more like the one on an RV, would the Zodiac XL have
higher speeds? (both cruise and stall?)

Or more simply, why is the XL so much slower than the RV? Is the thick wing
the MAIN reason? (I realize there are many reasons) More horsepower does not
necessarily net higher speeds. Reducing drag does.


Well, the Z is an 80 to 100 hp airframe.
The RV is a150 to 200 ho airframe.
That might have SOME effect on speed.

Lessee, I think the RV has a lot more wing area,
(certainly more than the HDS anyway)
But it's a lot heavier too.

That fat airfoil on the Z makes for a lighter wing structure.

Also, compare stall speeds as well as cruise speeds.

One is a bigger heavier airframe and it NEEDS more power to fly.

The other is smaller, lighter, and has a higher lift wing.

Richard