On Aug 22, 7:25*pm, glider wrote:
Several years ago, we made templates along the leading edge of a
popular standard class sailplane . The particular sailplane was a
winner. It was shocking to compare the left and right wing contours
with these templated. Close? Not at all. But the sailplane went very
well.
*Then we did the same on another sailplane by another manufacturer.
The templates were identical left and right. Mirror image. As made in
a machine. Perfect. This particular sailplane *never did well. Not a
winner.
*Conclusion?
*set the flame on low,
*Thanks,
*GA

Aw, come on, we want dirt! Bring it on!

There was a similar story about a certain 15m sailplane that was "the
ship to fly" 20 odd years ago and a templates and t/c measurements
taken from what was believed to be a particularly good example. The
results were, uh, distressing. But the ship in question flew real
well.

There's a lot to be said for profiles that are forgiving of
manufacturing tolerance.

-T8