THE EFFECT OF INSECT CONTAMINATION ON AVERAGE CROSS-COUNTRY SPEED

Authors

  • Michael Greiner Akaflieg Stuttgart

Keywords:

Aerodynamics, Design

Abstract

In this paper the performance degradation of a hypothetical Standard Class sailplane due to insect debris on wing surfaces is estimated. This has been based on wind tunnel measurements of a modern airfoil with and without artificial bug pattern. Speed polars have been calculated. The peculiar characteristics in straight and circling flight and the effect on the average cross-country speed have been considered. Attention has also been directed towards the influence of different types of thermals and the glider pilot's appropriate reaction.

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