While on the topic of leading edge tape, I recall reports in the distant past that such tapes extracted a speed penalty, particularly on the IV, because it caused the boundary layer to prematurely transition from laminar to turbulent.  What is the experience of those who have done before and after flight tests?

 

I recall querying the 3M rep at OSH about this.  His answer: take some clear finish paint and with a fine brush and a lot of patience, fill in the step behind the tape.  He said it flows and fills nicely. 

 

On top maybe, but the wing is supposed to be 60% laminar on the bottom, and 40% on the top, if memory serves correctly (always a worry).   So I guess you have to apply tape and paint while the wing can be inverted. 

 

Has anyone experimented with this “fix” and what results did you record?

 

Or is there another way?

 

Or is it a non-issue?

 

 

Curious Fred, threatening to fly early next year - IV USB