Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2015/08/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]A flight of three beautiful Swift aircraft visited our airport this morning. http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Swifts.jpg.html These all had different modifications. Each had larger engines. All had the original control wheels replaced by fighter-like control sticks. This one was closest to the original appearance, polished aluminum. http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Polished+Swift.jpg.html It was the only one that had the window left open for a panel shot. http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Swift+Panel.jpg.html It also had the original leading edge slot to maintain better flow over the ailerons at low speeds. http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Slots+Open.jpg.html The red Swift had the slots closed. The Swift has long led to a lot of hangar talk about these slots. Most agree that there is not much speed to be gained by closing them unless a lot of horsepower has been added, resulting in speeds above 170 mph. Everyone seems to hold to his own opinion about how closing the slots affects stall characteristics. http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Slots+Closed.jpg.html All photos by my iPhone. Comments and critiques welcomed. -- Jim Nichols Tullahoma, TN USA