Although I know this probably wont be possible (paperwork, wing shape, etc...) please just humor me for a minute, and then tell me why im totally wrong

So, after some google research, I found that the airfoil for the Cessna 140 and the Cessna 150 is the same airfoil. Sportsman makes a stol cuff for the C150. Is there any reason why one would (or wouldnt) be able to get a field approval to install the cessna 150's cuff on a cessna 140 wing? there would obviously need to be some re-design around the wingtip since the 140 has a round wingtip. But under the fabric on the leading edge is an aluminum skin which extends back to the forward spar, so there would be material to rivet the kit to.

Just a random thought I had sitting on the couch tonight. please roast me kindly for my crazy thoughts haha

Although the airfoil may be the same, the wing is shaped completely different. I think a field approval would be a hard sell. Mating up 150 wings to the 140 may be a possibility if you really want to go down that rabbit hole?????

Jeredp wrote:Although the airfoil may be the same, the wing is shaped completely different. I think a field approval would be a hard sell. Mating up 150 wings to the 140 may be a possibility if you really want to go down that rabbit hole?????

Pretty much what i was assuming, just thought id toss the idea out and see what the response was. I looked into the 150 wings, and they would mate up to the 140 just fine, the 150 has a significantly larger elevator, and the 140 tailfeathers would lack authority. This was tested by David Lowe (creater of one of the taildragger conversions for the 150). Sure you could throw a C150 elevator and horizontal stab onto a 140, but then it is just a 150 with a large stack of paperwork at that point

140's are pretty much perfect just the way they are. They're not STOL, they're not load haulers, they're not real fast, and they're not mountain climbers. But they were never meant to be. If you want any of that, just get a different airplane, rather than mutilate a perfectly good 140 trying to make it something it isn't.

Experimental Cessna?

They do it to cubs all the time.

The 140 (fabric wings, round tips) does not have the same airfoil as the 150. They are different. Now the 140A (metal wings, square tips) is the same, except for the flaps. I think the 150 Sportsman cuff on a 140A would be awesome!

88Echo wrote:Experimental Cessna?

They do it to cubs all the time.

Ummmm, not to production Cubs, those are built from scratch and kit built.

MTV

What Hammer said and it would be a shame to spoil such a good teacher.

mtv wrote:

88Echo wrote:Experimental Cessna?

They do it to cubs all the time.

Ummmm, not to production Cubs, those are built from scratch and kit built.

MTV

I know but it’s fun to dream!

Have vortex generators on Cessna 140. Makes landing different, not much slower but better control. Would not do again. Trying to make a good trainer/flyer a back country demon would have to get more horses, better airfoil, more fuel and bigger cabin. I like mine for one person camping and sensible back country. My 120 was put on it's top by a CFII that thought it was a real back country aircraft. Hard lesson learned by me never to loan an aircraft.
Have fun with an adequate short field aircraft.

Airfoil data: https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html

Convince yourself what's what on Cessna's.

Gary

PA1195 wrote:Airfoil data: https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html

Convince yourself what's what on Cessna's.

Gary

That's where I saw the airfoil was the same

Hammer wrote:140's are pretty much perfect just the way they are. They're not STOL, they're not load haulers, they're not real fast, and they're not mountain climbers. But they were never meant to be. If you want any of that, just get a different airplane, rather than mutilate a perfectly good 140 trying to make it something it isn't.

Normally I'd agree 100%, just trying to safely squeeze what I can out of what I currently can afford Haha if it's not realistic, that's totally fine, just a fun "what if" question

Hammer wrote:140's are pretty much perfect just the way they are. They're not STOL, they're not load haulers, they're not real fast, and they're not mountain climbers. But they were never meant to be. If you want any of that, just get a different airplane, rather than mutilate a perfectly good 140 trying to make it something it isn't.

A lot of people said the same thing about the 170 a few years back (just buy a 180) but the 170 restomod has really become a thing.
Heck, there is a WHOLE forum of people that will say 170's are pretty much perfect perfect just the way they are

This might be the next wave of restomod. Hopping up a 140.
Part of me feels sad to say that. Its like finding out that your little brother is taking steroids at the gym.

But, it would make a really nice one place airplane when you're done.

I chatted with a guy yesterday who claims he is putting a set of 150 wings on his 140A. Sold him a 150 flap to help with the project. I hope he can pull it off just so I can see it, sounds like a cool project.

Cessna later, on the 170b, fixed the little fast on landing for its size and weight problem with Fowler flaps. That is if they are used fully. Short wing, and otherwise fast for size and weight airplanes like C-140 can be slowed safely using a high pitch with power short final. The C-140 will land very slow with high pitch and power on short final. The problem getting back out should be solved using the basic low ground effect takeoff, staying in low ground effect, and continuing down drainage in low ground effect. Yes, obstructions are a problem.

The little airplane will get down short and off quick, but doesn't climb very well. Great trainer for those who teach that airplanes won't necessarily climb anyway. By the way, no airplane will necessarily climb anyway.

SamIntel wrote:The 140 (fabric wings, round tips) does not have the same airfoil as the 150. They are different. Now the 140A (metal wings, square tips) is the same, except for the flaps. I think the 150 Sportsman cuff on a 140A would be awesome!

The shape of the ragwing 120/140/170 is different, "hershey bar" vs the tapered shape of the later model airplanes,
but I think I read that just about all the strutted Cessna wings (excvept the 208?) use a NACA 2412 airfoil.
BTW Sam, did I see your airplane posted for sale at KAWO?

Since a 140 will already land shorter than it will take-off, and take-off and climb are dependent on excess thrust, not excess lift, I'm curious whether the mod would really be of any value, even if you could do it.

Hammer wrote:Since a 140 will already land shorter than it will take-off, and take-off and climb are dependent on excess thrust, not excess lift, I'm curious whether the mod would really be of any value, even if you could do it.

FWIW, with the 100Hp O-200 and a seaplane prop, I'm currently able to both take off and land in 500 feet. It doesnt take long to accelerate to Vx after I get in the air. Usually helps to pop 20 degrees flap

Hammer wrote:Since a 140 will already land shorter than it will take-off, and take-off and climb are dependent on excess thrust, not excess lift, I'm curious whether the mod would really be of any value, even if you could do it.

Everyone says the same thing about a Cessna 170. The Sportsman STOL kit was the best thing I did to my old 170 and I’d do it again.