Lam Aileron Design

[WKTaylor]

Fascinating new aileron/flap/spoiler integrated design concept. I see significant potential with the design concept for new designs that can integrate "the system" from the start!

http://lamaviation.com/

[click-on the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXedpHTQYJ0

for a straightforward understanding of the concept].

Note: My dad built a Thorp T-18 when I was a Kid. John Thorp solved the adverse-drag problem by having differential ailerons: 2X-Up, 1X-down... using clever bellcrank geometry.

Regards, Wil Taylor

 

[berkshire]

Some of the extremely long wing span , open class, German sailplanes use a modified version of this, with the spoilers connected to the last few degrees of the rudder travel.
B.E.

 

[IRstuff]

How is this aileron different than those on most jets, or are those also Lam ailerons?

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[KENAT]

What's the mass penalty or does use of advanced composites etc. mitigate this?

Posting guidelines faq731-376

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[WKTaylor]

Berkshire... Can You link to photos of the German sailplanes [designs] You mentioned?? Cutaways for comparison would be ideal.

Kenat... I suspect the structural penalty would be significant... especially torque and rear-spar point loads. You think narrow chord surfaces could mitigate this a bit... and still have aero advantages?


Regards, Wil Taylor

 

[KENAT]

Can't get U-tube from work. However, it seems kind of like a split flap mounted under the aileron.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
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[SAITAETGrad]

DeHavilland Canada was one of the first to use differential ailerons. I believe that it was Fred Buller who came up with the original bellcrank design no doubt very similar to the one Wil mentioned. Differential ailerons are a much more elegant solution for adverse yaw.

But, the Lam sflapoileron is quite versatile. You could certainly see it finding a home on a flying wing UAV.

 

[IRstuff]

It looks the same as what I see on most planes I've flown in. The main aileron can extend backwards and downwards for landing/takeoff, and there's a flap that covers the gap between the wing and the extended aileron, which can lift up for airbraking.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[berkshire]

wktaylor,

http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/schempp.htm

Wil, I am having a little difficulty getting a good picture of this.
Scroll down the directory to the Nimbus 3 and read the following description of the aileron operation,"" When rolling at large aileron deflection, the spoiler flap deploys to compensate for lack of rudder to permit coordinated flight"". There is a picture in the upper right hand showing the aircraft in a steep turn to the right with the tip spoileron partially deployed.
The later Nimbus 4 uses the same system.
Brian E.

 

[thruthefence]

Did I hear the video correctly, when it stated the builder (Dr Lam) budgeted $25.00/week for his project?