JimW
Frequent Flyer
Joined: Sep/15/2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Online Status: 
Posts: 1123
 Skybolt Delta
 View My Gallery
|
   Topic: bubble windshields vs straight
Posted: Apr/19/2008 at 09:24 |
|
Anyone have pics of a Skybolt or Starduster or similar up close with bubble windshields? Anyone know which is quieter, more aerodynamic, etc?
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chuck
Established Member
Joined: Sep/01/2006
Location: Wichita, KS
Online Status:
Posts: 63
Skybolt
View My Gallery
|
Posted: Apr/19/2008 at 15:21 |
|
My Skybolt has a bubble rear windshield. Actually the setup is for a rear canopy. Can't compare to a straight windscreen however.
|
|
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Neil
Frequent Flyer
Tech' Advisor
Joined: Nov/10/2006
Location: Monroe, LA
Online Status:
Posts: 996
Acro Sport II
View My Gallery
|
Posted: Apr/19/2008 at 16:08 |
It has long been considered that the air flow off the top of a bubble windshield flows off better and produces less drag than a flat wrap. The air seems to "trip" more off the top of the flat wrap. However there may be more drag at the cowl junction with the bubble. I have seen bubble windscreens with almost 90deg intersection at the cowl and that can't be good either. You just need to keep the opening as small as possible.
Edited by Neil - Apr/19/2008 at 16:14
|
|
|
|
JimW
Frequent Flyer
Joined: Sep/15/2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Online Status:
Posts: 1123
Skybolt Delta
View My Gallery
|
Posted: Apr/19/2008 at 18:06 |
|
Neil,
Great pics! That is really helpful. We are planning on a full bubble with a (hopefully) quick changeover to the bubbles. It gets quite warm here in the summers but don't want to limit our cross-country with an open cockpit only. We are considering the Steen bubble windshields on their site vs the flat wrap which we can get materials for locally. This will help us make up our minds.
cheers,
Jim
|
|
|
|
Neil
Frequent Flyer
Tech' Advisor
Joined: Nov/10/2006
Location: Monroe, LA
Online Status:
Posts: 996
Acro Sport II
View My Gallery
|
Posted: Apr/19/2008 at 19:38 |
|
I think I spent about $12 making my flat wraps. Article in "Handy resources".
The Acro II in the photo has a canopy that can be fitted to the rear seat that mated up to the windshield.
|
|
|
|
Skybolt540
Frequent Flyer
Joined: Aug/17/2006
Location: United States
Online Status:
Posts: 146
Steen Skybolt
View My Gallery
|
Posted: Apr/20/2008 at 05:59 |
As a side note, getting ready to form my flat-wrap windshields next week.
Using 0.118" thick GE Lexan FMRT102 which is hard coated on both sides for scratch protection yet can still be formed.
Looks like lots of aftermarket motorcycle windshields are made out of the stuff.
|
|
Scott In Ohio ...Spoot
|
|
|
|
JimW
Frequent Flyer
Joined: Sep/15/2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Online Status:
Posts: 1123
Skybolt Delta
View My Gallery
|
Posted: Apr/20/2008 at 07:24 |
|
Scott,
Where did you find that Lexan and what are you using for an oven?
Jim
|
|
|
|
Skybolt540
Frequent Flyer
Joined: Aug/17/2006
Location: United States
Online Status:
Posts: 146
Steen Skybolt
View My Gallery
|
Posted: Apr/20/2008 at 13:02 |
I got it from the GE materials distributor (SABIC Plastics) in Dayton. Had to order it special through them.
Heating it to the recommended 310 °F in an oven at Hartzell used to cure composite propeller blades.
|
|
Scott In Ohio ...Spoot
|
|
|
|
eeairshows
Established Member
Joined: Mar/14/2008
Location: Oskaloosa, Iowa
Online Status:
Posts: 34
no time to build, need to buy
|
Posted: Apr/22/2008 at 11:11 |
|
Having a very short front wind shield like a 1970's vintage Great Lakes will reduce the wind buffet in the back 'pit a LOT.
|
|
|
|
