Quickheads

Every time I talk about a Rutan design here in Europe, people give me always the same answer… Oh, their fast and fly extremely well ..if it’s not raining!
Are quickies really difficult to handle in rainy conditions?

Hi Lemans,
I get this question a lot too. I gave an answer to this in the FAQ's for the Q1.

Early kits used a different airfoil, than the later kits. The original Quickie had a GU airfoil canard. This airfoil was prone to lose lift when contaminated with bugs (or rain). This required significant increase in control stick back pressure to maintain level flight. (Many builders found this very disconcerting!) The contamination issue seemed to be resolved by the installation of vortex generators on the GU canard.

The LS1 canard solved the contamination issue, but it requires a carbon fiber spar.


So if you build a Quickie or Q-2 variant with the older GU airfoil canard, you are prone to the loss of lift due to bug contamination and rain. Lots of guys are still flying with these, but most have opted to attach the vortex generators.

The newer style LS1 airfoil canard, didn't have the loss of lift issue. However, it is a thinner airfoil and therefore requires a different construction technique than the GU canard.

Please let me know if this answers your question.

Warm regards,
Dan Yager
www.quickheads.com

Hi Dan,

Sorry about asking the question once again.
So, taking off during rainy days is not a problem thanks to
this new canard airfoil.

I just started to do my pre-construction paperwork.
I’m playing with the idée of building the Q2 for only one
pilot/no passenger.
This ‘hybrid’ could possibly fly at a slower min. speed while using a 30 hp lightweight engine. Possibly slow enough to enter the
Ultra light regulations in Europe.
If calculations are pointing into that direction, I will build
such a ‘hybrid’.
If not, than it’s going to be a second hand
(or plans build) Q2 and a PPL license.

Regards Lemans