diamondaviators.net

Just came across this:

http://generalaviationnews.com/2015/01/ ... mond-twin/

Fred wrote:Just came across this:

http://generalaviationnews.com/2015/01/ ... mond-twin/

I have them on the DA42 that I keep at Medicine Hat. I agree with all the statements except no measurable speed decrease. I believe it would average 3 kts slower than a non vg DA42 TDI.

Doug wrote:

Fred wrote:Just came across this:

http://generalaviationnews.com/2015/01/ ... mond-twin/

I have them on the DA42 that I keep at Medicine Hat. I agree with all the statements except no measurable speed decrease. I believe it would average 3 kts slower than a non vg DA42 TDI.

Thanks for the info Doug. 3 knots is a hell of a lot - for example: spend $20'000 or so on upgrading the props to get this speed increase on a DA42.

While I agree that 3 kts is enough, the safety benefits and the ability to be comfortable on 2500' runways would cause me to do them again. Everyone's situation will be different.

That's an interesting finding, I was not aware of this stuff for da42.
How does your take-off looks like Doug with these vortexes? What a the changes comparing to non vortex da42?

Bartek wrote:That's an interesting finding, I was not aware of this stuff for da42.
How does your take-off looks like Doug with these vortexes? What a the changes comparing to non vortex da42?

Flys pretty much the same except with more forgiveness for normal flying and better performance for the short and soft stuff. I did verify the lower stall speed and it was pretty much as they advertised. Using the a lower approach speed, based on 1.3 X Vso, on a short field landing allows less energy and shorter landing distances.
I haven't documented TO profiles but once again the lower stall speed and enhanced Vmc should help. Next time I playing around I'll try a soft and short TO.

Of course a secondary issue, but take into account that cleaning the wing must be a bit of a hassle with all these little knives sticking out. Or am I exaggerating, Doug?

Aart wrote:Of course a secondary issue, but take into account that cleaning the wing must be a bit of a hassle with all these little knives sticking out. Or am I exaggerating, Doug?

The cleaning isn't too bad as I use a RV style wash brush for scrubbing and a spray-on hand wax for polishing. The issue that I have had is to remember not to slide of the front of the in-board wing as it is very hard on pants! I think that I'm getting close to remembering after ruining my 2nd set of jeans..

Doug wrote: I haven't documented TO profiles but once again the lower stall speed and enhanced Vmc should help. Next time I playing around I'll try a soft and short TO.

Hi Doug,
Waiting for your findings regarding TO performance, it will be great to read something out of real experience.
The 3 kt speed loss that you report is roughly equal across the altitudes, or you feel it varies upon height?

Has anyone had any additional experience with the "Micro Vortex Generator Kit" in the last couple of years?

from their web site - https://microaero.com/vgkit/da-42/

MICRO Vortex Generator Kit for the Diamond DA 42 is FAA STC approved and ready for installation on your airplane......
Improvement with Micro VGs
Vmc Reduced 9 KIAS
Vs Reduced 5 KIAS
Vso Reduced 7 KIAS

Benefits of Micro VGs

Reduced Vmc, Vs, Vso
Improved Rate of Climb by 150 FPM
Improved Controllability
Flight Into Known Icing Compatible
More Stable Instrument Platform
VGs mounted on Wings & Vertical Stabilizer
Easy One Day Installation

Thanks - John