I was thinking about posting the following to some usegroup that deals with sailboats. What do you think?
Ken
So what if we do not shape the model airplane wing leading edges?
Consider the power we have in our engines/motors.
Consider the turbulation we would get from those wings when flying at a high angle-of-attack.
OK, I propose the following. Build a general sort of trainer and only shape one leading edge.
Fly said model. I venture that the square wing will lift first, will stall last, and appreciable yaw won't occur until well up in speed.
If the wing is a "D" section, the covering can be put on the wing to the trailing edge of the leading edge stock, leaving the leading edge bare wood.
After testing that way, then leave the tip third of the span square and slowly shape the leading edge as it approaches the root.
Fly again. The yaw will be a little less, the speed up a bunch, and the square wing will still stall last...and possibly at nearly the same angle.
By the way, leaving the square leading edge stock uncovered would be a good idea. It can be shaped later and covered. Even if both wings were to have square leading edges, I would not cover them with film. I think I would not even sand them but just brush some butyrate on them...and not sand after that either.
Or I could just be all wet about all this. But if you think I am, say why.