Aerodynamic struts vs. Round ones

[pilotbiker]

On the wing struts, I read somewhere here that the aero struts are heaver than the round ones, (I think Les Homan said that). I am gathering materials for the build and am weighing the strut choices. 1. Use the round ones and put fairings on them, (having that much drag just seems wrong, even on a slow airplane). Or 2. just get the aero ones and call it good. How much do the aero ones cost? I found the right tubes at the local Aerospace surplus store for around $17.00 each (1.25" x .058" x 15' 6061-T6), but they only had three when I was there and because it's surplus they can't guaranty they will get more. I will keep checking and if they have four I am thinking get them and make light fairings for them. What do you all think? Remember, $17.00ea. !

Mark.

[JohnB]

IIRC the weight penalty is 7-8 POUNDS for the streamlined struts. Round tubes with 016 fairings is my choice.  Cheap  Light

[LSaupe]

JohnB may have the lightest option out there.

When I built my Kitfox I started with the round tubes, and then added pvc clip on fairings after the fact.  They did help climb and cruise and also glide.  At the price of weight however (about 12 lbs total in that case).

One option often used (and recommended) by the earlier Kitfox manual was to just fair the aft edge with wood.  The wood contained lightening holes and was then glued on and fabric covered.  Added strength to the tubing as well.  Very light, effective system.   Heck, it could probably even be balsa wood.

Pic from the Avidfoxflyers site.

[LSaupe]

More options in case you hadnt yet seen these (these were much lighter than the ones I used):

http://www.uflyit.com/streamline_fairings.htm

SMALL - FITS .625" (5/8") to 1.25" Round Tubing (weight is 1.45 lbs. per 8' section) - 4 pieces, each 8' in length:  $200, plus shipping.

[pilotbiker]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, wow, eight pounds! That gives a bit of room to work with for fairings. But it can return quickly if not careful. The plastic ones (at 8ft.) add back 6lbs. for all four, two pounds is still better than nothing. I fell like being extra careful about weight (and price) on this airplane is the whole challenge, I wasn't as careful on my last two airplanes. I think it will be fun to work within those two boundaries. Remember the words of Steve Whitman, "Just add lightness". 

Thanks,
Mark.