Wing Leading Edges – Laminated Plywood (Vacuum-Formed)

Description

These high-quality formed leading edges are made of two layers of .065 inch birch aircraft plywood, which are laminated together onto a form. Vacuum forming is used to provide an incredibly strong, consistent, and accurate product. While originally designed for the Skybolt, they are usable on many other wooden-winged experimental aircraft. Plywood leading edges have many advantages over the traditional aluminum method. Unlike aluminum, it is easy to make a structural bond between the leading edges and the spar and ribs using epoxy. This also helps to increase the torsional strength and stiffness of the wing by forming a “D-box” structure. Hardware is not needed to hold ply leading edges to the spar, so there are no worries about nails working loose and adding weight. Laminated plywood is very sturdy and ding-resistant, and if you do sustain hangar rash to these leading edges, you can generally effect a repair like you would any other wooden component. They are also easy to fair in smoothly with the rest of the structure, which helps to make for a smooth covering job. You may cut holes in these (such as for pitot tubes or inspection plates) as needed.

SHIPPING NOTE: Due to the size of this item, it must be shipped via truck freight.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While this product has been used successfully on a variety of aircraft, Steen Aero Lab cannot provide specific engineering or structural analysis services related to any other company’s aircraft designs. However, we will be happy to work with you to provide the relevant data about this product to help you to make an informed decision about using it for your project. As always, we strongly urge you to first seek the advice of the aircraft’s designer or a qualified structural engineer before making any structural deviations from your aircraft plans… the life you save may be your own!