American YouTuber Trent Palmer has tested whether 3D-printed fairing parts can be used to increase the cruising speed of his light aircraft in a new video. Working with Scott Rod of DiamondBack Nozzles, a manufacturer of 3D-printed diamond-coated nozzles, Palmer developed several parts to reduce annoying turbulence.
For example, fairings for the landing gear’s shock absorbers were tested, as was the mounting of the position lights. According to Palmer, the latter cause strong air turbulence in flight. Using a 3D scanner, the experts digitized an existing component that covers the transition between the wing and the windshield. Using this data, they were able to create a new, more aerodynamic version of the part.
After attaching the parts, Palmer conducted a test flight. This showed a cruising speed of 104 to 108 miles per hour (about 167 km/h – 174 km/h), whereas previously he could only get a maximum of 102 miles per hour (about 164 km/h). According to Palmer, an increase of 3 to 4 knots over baseline. Further tests in calmer air are to follow.
The parts were manufactured using 3D printers from DiamondBack Nozzles, which, according to the manufacturer, print very precisely thanks to their diamond nozzles. This meant that the complex aerodynamic profiles could be implemented precisely. Palmer was enthusiastic about the technology and plans to optimize more parts of his aircraft this way in the future.
You can find the full YouTube video here:
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