Notes on Nieuport Trim
Here's some data I've got from different Nieuport pilots about the trim of their planes. Take it for what it's worth.
ZK-RFC plans number 1145
6 degrees sweep
2.5 degrees incidence
220lbs 6 foot 2inch pilot
3/4 inch LE spacer back aft (tailplane)
4 degrees engine down thrust (not enough)
3 degrees engine left side thrust
435 lbs empty
slightly nose heavy in current config, especially with full fuel.
1835cc VW twin spark noise maker.
best wishes Mike Kindon. New Zealand.
*****************
Dick Lemons N124DL:
1 sweep = 7
2 incidence = 0º
3 pilot = 190 lbs.
4 spacer under stab L.E. = 3/16
Mark and I used 7 degrees sweep to compensate for the lighter Rotax engine. We didn't have to change anything when we went to the VW except use a thinner spacer under the stab LE.
Mark and I both intend to increase the incidence to 3 degrees as soon as we have time. Tom and Dick S. have already done this and it gets the tail up in flight for a better view over the nose.
******************
Dick Starks, N124DS
1. sweep = 5º
2. incidence = 1 1/2º
3. pilot weight = 220lbs of fighting flab.
4. spacer under leading edge of stab = 1 1/4"
Note: Tom and I built ours originally with 0º incidence. When we rebuilt them after the flood of 93, we added the 1 1/2º. Before that, I had about 3/4" spacer. After the rebuild, I had to go to the 1 1/4" spacer.
******************
Tom Glaeser's plane.
1. sweep = 5º
2. incidence = 1 1/2º
3. pilot weight = 160lbs of skinny-Minnie.
4. spacer under leading edge of stab = 3/4"
*******************
Rick Bennett's Nieuport 23.
1. Sweep - 5 degrees
2. incidence - 2 degrees to the bottom of the wings
3. pilot weight - 150 lbs.
4. spacer under stab L.E. - 1/8 soon to be removed.
5. gross wt. - 650 full of fuel
6. downthrust - 2 degrees
Note: Long wings, CG 1/2 inch forward empty and 1 1/2 inch forward full
. I wonder if the longer gear drag being lower has anything to do with my not needing a spacer? ( Rick made his gear legs "true scale" so his plane sits quite a bit higher than the plans call for.)
Back to the Dawn Patrol's home page.
About The Dawn Patrol Frequently Asked Questions Get On The Builder's Chat List Order Dick Starks' Book Order Our Video Tapes The Dawn Patrol's Trailers 2002 Air Show Schedule Goods FOR SALE Tom Glaeser's Chainsaw Starter Marvin Story's Tubing Notcher Dick Hartzler's Cowlings Our Rib Bending JIgs Nieuport Engine Mounts Weight and Balance Information Book and Video Order Form Assorted Aviation Links A.F.S. Paint and Covering Various Suppliers List Gary's Cool Tools Smoke System Poster Stands