This has probably been tried so rather than repeat mistakes or re-invent the wheel, does it work to add tip weight to both wing tips? My thinking is that on a light 35 sized plane that weight added equally on both tips (at the CG) would add inertia and resistance to rolling without seriously harming the turning capability. For my 37 ounce Fancher Medic, perhaps 1 ounce on each tip? Hopefully Ted will chime in here. (I just went up and changed the thread title to attract him.)
That's possibly true, however, the previous discussion (where he added 8 ounces to the CG of a Tucker Special for tremendously improved performance) involved increasing the line tension without increasing the control loads to give more margin over the Netzeband wall. That very likely doesn't apply to the Medic, since the control loads are not likely to be anywhere near the edge of the capability (unless you have something very strange in the control setup). 37 ounces isn't particularly light even for a good engine, if it has a 4-2 break engine, then it's not at all light. Bob Hazle's Medic was much less prone to roll/yaw in turbulence than the original Doctor, precisely because it was "denser" and once we got it trimmed it flew very well.
I would guess there is some other trim issue, rather than just "too light".
If you want to try it, put some hinge=sealing tape over the finish, clean it off with acetone, then use stick-on weights over the tape, right up against the fuselage on both sides, top and bottom. I wouldn't recommend putting it at the tips because while it will slow down the rolling motion, it will also take much longer to die away. Adding weight at the CG will increase the line tension and permit more roll stability from the lines. the Hinge sealing tape will come off - the stick-on weights will leave the residue behind.
In this case, it would surprise me if it helped any, but don't let that stop you from experimenting.
Brett
Topic: Ballasting a Fancher Medic for wind (Read 1988 times)
