Impressive Sikorsky S-38 Project

[Floatsflyer]

:) Came across this by accident but certainly a very pleasurable one. It's taken Walter Treadwell about 10 years to get to this stage on his 55% scale replica. Perhaps people on the forum know Walter and can provide more information and insight on this beautiful build and undertaking. Would love to see it at Osh this year.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2GephPzpKg


http://youtu.be/I2GephPzpKg

[Chick]

Wow!

[Hal Bryan]

Wow!

Agreed! That is a very impressive project - great subject for a replica!

[rv8bldr]

Spectacular! Love those Rotecs.

Is it just me or do those vertical stabs/rudders look a little small? I realize there are two of them, but.... there just doesn't seem to be enough vertical surface.

[WLIU]

The vertical fins and rudders are likely going to need enlargement. It looks like they were directly scaled down. When working with scaling aerodynamic surfaces, you have to take into account stuff like Reynolds Number and actual wing and power loadings.

With twins, the vertical fin and rudder area required is determined by the needs of one engine controlability. Doing a Vmc loss of control demonstration in a twin can be fun, or not, depending on your altitude and point of view.

But the airplane looks nice. And building it is certainly an achievement. Hopefully the flight testing is not so adventurous that the pilots get in over their head before the needed improvements are made.

Fly safe,

Wes
N78PS

[Floatsflyer]

Who is Walter Treadwell? Builder extraordinaire I think. He doesn't take on easy projects, that seems clear, and he seems to have an affinity for twin boomed airplanes. He scratch built a 50% P-38 replica in the 90's.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32902482@N07/5199552571/