The modifications
we offer for Pipers are aimed at improving the aerodynamic efficiency of
the aircraft. There is no question that if you want more speed from your
plane, it is far more cost effective to improve the aerodynamics rather
than to increase the power. This is particularly true of the Pipers made
in Vero Beach because the Florida factory produced economical aircraft as
opposed to the higher performance Comanches built in Lock Haven.
It is a sad
fact that Piper deliberately made the Cherokees less efficient than they
could be, because they did not want to compete against their own high
performance aircraft... the Comanches. On the other hand the remedies
are straightforward and we have been producing them since 1983. It really
is possible with our mods to make a Cherokee as efficient as any production
plane ever built! We have proven this in the world famous CAFE races,
where no standard production aircraft has ever beaten the Piper Lance
we modified and entered.
( The relationship between power and aerodynamics is as follows: If you
can gain a 10% increase the speed due to aerodynamics, you will increase
your range by 29%. Conversely, should you wish to add power to increase
your speed, it will cost you 29% more power (or fuel) to go 10% faster.
Clearly, aerodynamics is the way to go! )
The main
areas which require attention to improve the Piper's performance are the
wings and the landing gear. The weaknesses in these areas have been recognized
by Piper in later years and some of their latest offerings have much improved
wheel pants and slightly improved wings.
A Laminar
Flow Systems modified Piper, of any age, can beat the latest Factory production
Warrior, Archer, Saratoga or Seneca, at a fraction of the cost.
It's a fact,
and we can prove it! |
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