Best wing length for ultralight

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moushegiancarl

Best wing length for ultralight

Post by moushegiancarl »

I have a 24' wing on my JT2 Gull. It can handle wind conditions that keep other
planes grounded. The 28' wing on the soaring gull provides great wing span efficiency but how does it handle those windy days.I know there is a big difference in mass ( 254 vs. 559 pounds ) . What is your idea of the perfect wing size ? A compromise at 26' ?
Just wondering and like to see other peoples input

Carl
blaswichk

Re: Best wing length for ultralight

Post by blaswichk »

My .02, if your JT2 is average weight, the 24’ is the best. It’s also true that lighter wing loading is more sensitive to wind gusts. I have a 20’ wing on my single place Gull 2000 and indeed I go flying when the Kolbs and Phantoms get put away, but I’m not an ultralight at about 450 lbs empty. The 28’ wing is incredibly effcient and flys well with tiny motors, and just rocks with electric ones. But I would suspect it’s a bit trickier to fly in gusty conditions for the average pilot, but I’m sure that Mark has his way of making hard work look easy. Go e-Gull!!
earthstaraircraft

Re: Best wing length for ultralight

Post by earthstaraircraft »

Hi Carl
The 29 foot wing handles gusty conditions well, there is a deference from the 20 foot wing.
Happy Flying
Mark

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mikemarckel

Re: Best wing length for ultralight

Post by mikemarckel »

Hi Carl,
I have a gull 2000 with a 25 ft wing and love it!! Very fast and handles turbulence very well. I have flown summer afternoons when the thermos scare the heck out of our local skydivers! Wasn't smooth
but not a problem.
Question for Mark, when flying turbulent conditions I find reducing speed a little 70/75 ish. And adding one notch of flap seems to smooth out the bumps and reduce tipping quite nice. Is this just in my head?
My theory is it increases lift inboard, making it handle like a shorter wing??? Do you see any problems doing this??
Thanks. Mike

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earthstaraircraft

Re: Best wing length for ultralight

Post by earthstaraircraft »

Sorry I meant to say 28 foot wing.
Mark

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earthstaraircraft

Re: Best wing length for ultralight

Post by earthstaraircraft »

Hi Carl
I have never tried that. I don't like using more gas so I wouldn't have thought of using flaps. It sounds like it works for you.
Happy Flying
Mark

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