Piper Cherokee 140 Speed Mods

 Piper Cherokee 140 Speed Mods

Many speed mods were added. Some modifications help with top end speed while many help with the stall speed. 

This plane was equipped with the first generation of Speed Pants from Laminar Flow along with their power flow exhaust system. 

The fit and aerodynamic design looks fast just when just sitting still. I spend many hours waxing all of the exterior surfaces to keep a mirror finish and as slippery as possible. 

                              Stock nose wheel pant with fin. 

Wing root fairings

By smoothing the sharp junction at the leading edge of the wing, where it meets the fuselage, drag is reduced and the air over the wing is cleaner. Improvements Include: 1-2 mph increased cruise. 

There are four vortex generators on each wing to control air flow to the stabilator. 

The top of the tail and rudder cap is flush without a rotating beacon. 

The original AMR&D Art Mattson Stabilator Tips for the Piper Cherokee.

 The design is based on the drag reducing properties of the Hoerner Style wing tip, which was modified to maintain equal tip authority whether it was with up or down pressure.  The end result is an improved tip that may increase cruise by 1 to 2 mph with better stabilator authority.   They also just look real nice.     

                                                       

Aileron and stabilator gap seals

The stabilator is 3" shorter on both sides. 

Knots 2U upswept wing tips are the latest generation wing tip for the Piper series. The upsweep allows the air to "wash" off of the wing with minimal drag and prevents air from disturbing the aileron. Compared to the original rounded tips these will: Increase cruise speed 1-2 mph, Improve rate of climb 40-60 ft/min, Increase stability and handling, Reduce stall speed 1-2 mph, and reduce take-off roll.

Between the Art Mattson speed mods, Knots 2U and Laminar Flow, the combination works very well.