ETLB Squawk Forums — Archive

Hello all, just wondering if anyone has tried making the wing ribs and other timber components out of a foam composite construction? The reason I ask is, having available cnc machinery, machining and laying up a composite rib section is simpler than a timber equivalent. The other reason I am considering this is that in Melbourne so far i have found it difficult to source timber of a suitable quality easily.
Any thoughts would be appreciated

Cheers
Alex

Hi Alex

I can't comment on the composite ribs idea, but suitable timber in Oz would be hoop pine. There's a crowd in Qld that do it, but Google boatbuilding supply companies.

Good luck with your build.

Bruce

The last Wayne Ison design has a wing with foam ribs, and a full plywood wing skin. It was never flown, but might come on the market as a project later this year. If Mr. Ison thought it was a viable option, I would certainly give it serious consideration. The TEAM project I'm referring to is a "one off" low wing Ultralight that was conceived as a quicker build then traditional construction. Hopefully in the next couple of months it will go up for sale.  

Hey Greg
I saw it and talked to Wayne about that at his home. It was very strong. I wish he had time to build the plane.
Bob

Bob, This airplane is in Watertown, TN. It only lacks a few hours work to make it flyable. Wayne had completed it as a tricycle gear. Harold Little acquired it, and was in the process of converting it to a conventional gear, but the project stalled for several years, and will probably be offered up for sale. It was not my purpose with this post to promote the sale of this project. I only wanted to give support to the use of foam ribs as an alternative to more traditional construction.

The boatbuilding supplier I contacted closer to me didn't have any aircraft grade hoop pine in stock as it was a special order, makes it more difficult to chip away at a project like this. The folding wing option for the airbike certainly is what attracted me the airbike, because of the five airports around me none have any hangar space.

So back to foam, I have an idea that maybe I could construct several timber sections then destructively load test to compare to see how they perfom side by side.

Cheers
Alex

Hi Greg
My purpose too. I saw the wing, it looked good. The whole Ison group were a great bunch of people. Hope Larry and Skip are well. Back to thread, I b done, LOL
Bob

Bob, Skip visits this site often, but isn't interested in posting. He and Katherine are fine. I saw them a couple of times this fall. I haven't had any contact with Larry in the last couple of years. I guess I should try to give him a ring?

The french microlight Aurore souricette similiar to minimax has got Foam ribs.

Alex, you have a p.m.

Click on 'member centre' at the top of this page, then 'inbox'.

Cheers

Bruce