Just a thought on the folding wing concept. This is my thought and I am not trying to make it fit anyone else.
When the idea of building an aircraft began stirring in my head; it absolutly had to have folding wings so it could be stored at home and trailered to a flying site.
Popular magazines from the past had images of homebuilts being towed by their tail riding on their landing gear. What could be more simple than that. Less complicated than walking the dog. Just throw it on the hitch and go flying.
So I limited all my dreams to folding wings then one day someone opened my eyes.
I have drawings of two place aircraft. There are a lot of complications. Fuel lines , controls, the small concept of structural integrity,complex spar conections, clearance to other parts of the aircraft, and how do you secure all this loose flapping stuff for travel?
I was at Oshkosh and Zenith had just introduced the CH750. I was talking to one of the Heinz (spelling?) brothers, son of the prolific designer Chris Heinz. The new 750 did not have folding wings. But the 701 of which this new model is an evolution did. How come? He answered without hesitation. Folding wings are not worth the effort. That he could remove the wings faster than he could fold the other's.
It made too much sense. So now If XL-7 needs to live at home it will, in a nice protective trailer with wings safely secured to the sides ot the trailer and the fuselage rolled up the center. I will spend effort to make my aircraft break down and assemble more quickly.
Tom XL-7
