Drag reduction

[marksires 484]

I ran across this again and couldn't remember if I'd ever posted it before.  Very eye opening!

[CoClimber 33]

According to this article, unstreamlined 1" diameter wing struts will cost you 25hp at 100mph.  http://www.jackbhart.com/firefly/pdrag.html

[tcj 150]

I built a Kitfox Classic 4 with a little 52 HP rotax 503 engine.  First few flights the landing gear and wing struts were bare.  Cruise speed at 5800 rpm was about 65 MPH.  Then I put the wood fairing on the landing gear and covered with fabric and cruise speed went up to about 75.  Then put the PVC fairing on the wing struts and cruise went up to 85 MPH.  Rate of climb and power off glide went way up too.

[CoClimber 33]

This is a mock-up of how I intend to streamline my cabane gear spring.  3D pprinted ends and aluminum flashing.  Will be easy to slide out of the way for inspection and will help keep dirt out of the greased parts.