TIPS ON FAST FLYING MODELS

It has already been emphasised that the vortex drag is most important for aircraft flying at high lift coefficients, i. e. at high angles of attack, slowly. It follows that little vortex drag is to be saved on high speed aircraft by modification to the wing tips. Parasite and profile

Fig. 6.7 Tail unit end plates

drag are much more important for such models and the wing tip should be designed for savings here. The plain squared off tip probably does lose something and should be rounded off in both front and plan views. There is not much else to be done.

What is more important is that the wing tips should be as simple as possible. Fancy appendages undoubtedly add parasitic drag and should be avoided. So should excrescences such as tip wheels, skids, etc.