Aluminum Wing Structure

[dz1sfb]

Wondering if anybody here has considered an aluminum wing structure? I am sure it's not a new idea, but I am not talking about a skinned structure although that may be a possibility, considering Morrey Hummel's Ultra Cruiser 103 legal.

Just posting some thoughts. I am a metal model maker by trade and my mind tends to gravitate in that direction.

Eagerly waiting for my plans to arrive.

Ken

[Tom XL-7]

Welcome Ken
 It has been kicked around of course. Ison aircraft kicked it around pretty good and even made a front spar. Cad drawings were developed but technical ones never were; past the front spar to my knowledge. 
 Ison  made a few aircraft one was called an airbike.  Very much like a skinny L.E. where you put your legs and feet outside the fuselage. Well anyway someone managed to kill himself and as is the common practice it had to be someone else's fault. And Ison was sued. Successfully defended in court at who knows what expense. Well about that time Ison sold the company and rights to the mini-max company which I believe exists to this day. Less the airbike which was shelved.This alum wing development died with it I am guessing.
Tom XL-7
this should get the juices flowing

http://www.isonplanes.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/wing8.html

[Tom XL-7]

http://www.isonplanes.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/wing.html

the other link was a single page this is what you want to see
tom XL-7

[lake_harley]

Ison sold the company and rights to the mini-max company which I believe exists to this day.

MiniMAX is indeed alive and well. http://www.teammini-max.com/ I do believe Wayne Ison died about 1 year ago though, but his designs continue on being built from scratch and kits that TEAM MiniMAX sells. They even offer plans for free!

[challengerlsa]

The airbike wing is ply and spruce to my knowledge...

[dz1sfb]

http://www.isonplanes.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/wing.html the other link was a single page this is what you want to see tom XL-7

That is what I am thinking! Looks like some nice work there. Zenith aircraft has a great series on building the 750 Sport wings that makes the imagination swim with ideas. I guess the trick would be to build an aluminum wing and stress test it. I am sure someone must have some mass numbers for the UL and XL wing assemblies minus the covering. Would like to know what it has to compare to.

All the Team Aircraft to my knowledge had wood wings.

Ken

[Steve]

Wondering if anybody here has considered an aluminum wing structure? I am sure it's not a new idea, but I am not talking about a skinned structure although that may be a possibility, considering Morrey Hummel's Ultra Cruiser 103 legal.

Just posting some thoughts. I am a metal model maker by trade and my mind tends to gravitate in that direction.

Eagerly waiting for my plans to arrive.

Ken

slowride on the member list built this alum wing with the Spratt 103 airfoil weighing just over 20 lbs... He and friend have XL's flying in Iowa... Try a PM to him - first name Pat... He is not a strong net user but does send text pics and that was how I acquired this photo and others of the complete 103...

[dz1sfb]

Steve,
I see on your build blog your wings came out to 28 and 31.5 lbs. So 20 lbs is encouraging. I n many ways I feel that aluminum wings are much simpler to produce. Now I'm beginning to consider the tail empennage as well.

Thanks for the encouragement,
Ken

[Bob S.]

There was one Eagle clone built that had a Honcho wing that was aluminum...

[sideband]

I'm a new builder and I'm very seriously considering building my LE XL wings out of aluminium. The humidity here in Florida is no joke. I also think that building with aluminium would be easier than using wood. I also kicked around the idea of forming my leading edge of the wings out of carbon fiber and using piano hinge to mount it. I'm curious if that would be strong enough to justify not even needing the forward ribs. My XL build is going to be my experimental plane before I build my CE.

[slowflyer123]

I'm new to the Eagler's Nest. I too prefer aluminum wings.  Have you gotten any more information about builders using aluminum (or non-wood) wings?

[scottiniowa]

I'm a new builder and I'm very seriously considering building my LE XL wings out of aluminium. The humidity here in Florida is no joke. I also think that building with aluminium would be easier than using wood. I also kicked around the idea of forming my leading edge of the wings out of carbon fiber and using piano hinge to mount it. I'm curious if that would be strong enough to justify not even needing the forward ribs. My XL build is going to be my experimental plane before I build my CE.

this is old, but I see it never got a reply or response.. so I will respond by asking a few more questions, perhaps your well beyond this. As well as addressing the last response to wood vs alum.

First, it would simple the most simple answer would be, if you want alum wings, it would be far better to purchase "proven plans with a alum wing" than to try to convert a wood winged craft to this expected alum wing creation.

Now, back to the above quote-  kicked around the idea of forming my leading edge of the wings out of carbon fiber and using piano hinge to mount it    k- and you were basing this combination on something you saw on another ultralight?  If so, what were they using to separate the carbon fiber from the alum? If you have the ability to do the carbon fiber leading edge, why stop there?   And piano hinge to mount what?   The leading edge? The wing?  how, why and NO comes to mind..but that would be strickly based on, what would a piano hinge be used for in any part of the leading edge or wing mount.

Just curious

[Golden Eagle]

Ken,

  I just ordered my XL plans today and in fact just asked the same question as you regarding an aluminum structure wing, and finished off in Poly Fiber products.  I have been extensive research recently and to me it seems like a doable idea.

I can share my research and thoughts with you if you want.  Just let me know.

Mike

[Leonard]

Hi ,
 When you get a wing from metal please let me see it .  I doubt very much if you can save any weight but who knows till some one does it.  this is what it is all about try something and see if it can be done.  have fun Leonard

[Golden Eagle]

Hi Boss,

  I certainly will share with everyone my “creation”, if I go that route.  While I am not all that opposed to wood, I am curious if an all aluminum inside structure would be just as strong (maybe), and not be affected by any moisture as the years go by.  I’m just kicking the idea around, sort of wonder “what if?”

  If I were to indeed make an aluminum spar, and preformed ribs, this is what I would be working toward.  Ribs made out of .020 2024 T3 sheet and the main and rear spars made out of .032 2024 T3 sheet with the typical 6061 T6 cap strips, doubles, and reinforcement plates.  Here are a couple of pictures of stuff I’ve found that somewhat resemble what I have in mind.  Ribs similar to this one, and a spar (which is used on many other aircraft) like this one.

  I see from the previous posts that I am not alone in this endevour.

Mike Welch