More on dihedral vs speed: I know a Pacer owner as well as 2 Luscombe owners who claim to have obtained a noticable (but not necesarily significant) increase in cruise speed by adjusting as much dihedral as possible out of their wings. We're only talking a couple mph here,a lot of trouble to go to for not much gain,plus you decrease the stability (self-righting) qualities of the airplane.
Eric
170A vs 170B
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
Washout (wing-twist) was set at 1-degree on the A-model, and 3-degrees on the B-model. This lowered the AOA of the outboard section of the B-model somewhat and actually resulted in LESS drag on the B-model. The larger flaps of the B-model offset this by adding a small amount of drag. There was no difference noted by the factory test pilots in speed attributable to dihedral.
The B-model had improved short field performance due to it's flaps, and slightly better stability in turbulence. But due to it's slower stall speed, the B-model needed help in stall detection, so a stall warning was required equipment.
The '53 and later B-models had better engine cooling due to a full pressure cowl, and improved cabin heater/defroster operation due to changes in the ventilation systems.
The '56 B-model lost some interior refinements in a cost-savings effort. Plastic interior panels, non-opening right-side windows, and optional-only copilot flight controls became standard in '56. (Still available as options, however.)
The B-model had improved short field performance due to it's flaps, and slightly better stability in turbulence. But due to it's slower stall speed, the B-model needed help in stall detection, so a stall warning was required equipment.
The '53 and later B-models had better engine cooling due to a full pressure cowl, and improved cabin heater/defroster operation due to changes in the ventilation systems.
The '56 B-model lost some interior refinements in a cost-savings effort. Plastic interior panels, non-opening right-side windows, and optional-only copilot flight controls became standard in '56. (Still available as options, however.)