Larry said: but I recall that there is no aerodynamic gain in covering the >opening with the RAF48 airfoil. > >It is my understanding that regardless of airfoil, that the primary benefit, >and reason for the wing gap seals for ailerons is for the benefit to climb >rate. >Colin Rainey ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What I said was: "The bottom needs to be open when using the piano hinge to get the correct downward deflection. Some have covered the opening with a gap seal (easily done) but I recall that there is no aerodynamic gain in covering the opening with the RAF48 airfoil." It's the bottom opening that I was talking about. The hinge closes the top and provides the aileron gap seal to eliminate airflow from bottom to top or vise versa at the wing trail edge. I recall someone testing both the RAF48 and the new airfoil and found no aerodynamic benefit when closing the bottom aileron gap on the RAF48 airfoil. There was, as I recall, a benefit with the new airfoil in the climb rate. It's been a while so I could be in error. If so, someone will correct me. Larry Flesner
