I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the Wing X STOL on a C-185? I posted on the Skywagons website but no response. There is not much activity on that site.

Thanks
Grant

I owned the real thing, would climb like an elevator.
I have taken off with nearly zero ground roll.
But too slow for business, too expensive foe a toy. And loudest prop on the airport,

Thanks Rocky, I sold the Baron and in the hunt for another 185. I sold my 1984 8 years ago and still kicking myself.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Grant

Grant:

viewtopic.php?f=43&t=219506&hilit=185

Mr. Fraley's is for sale, just avoid step stools if you buy it.

RAS

The extensions are nice, but really make the roll rate seem heavy and a bit slow. The Sportsman cuff is the ticket though. It will decrease the stall speed by a large margin. I have a couple guys in National STOL doing sub 100' takeoffs and landings.

On the contrary. Step stools are great safety devices! Don't step on the tire with wet feet.

Yes, it's still for sale. No Wing-X, though.

I have the wing x bumps my gross weight up to 3525 which is great on amphibian. Most people I know who have it agree it’s a worthwhile modification. I also have Robertson stol and dropped ailerons contribute heavier to a slow roll rate with flaps, but the thing sure does fly incredibly slowly!

I have been instructing in a C185 with Wing X, Sportsman STOL, and an IO550 for several months. This plane is an absolute monster. It is also a heavy airplane weighing in at 2000 lbs but it performs amazingly well. The climb rate and short field performance with the combination of Wing X/Sportsman and the IO550 are mind blowing. My C180 is light and has an O520 but the short field ops for both planes are very similar - actually might even favor the C185 depending on who's operating the airplane. The reduced roll rate associated with the Wing X is noticeable but you get used to it after time and is not a factor landing in a X wind. Is the mod needed ? I think a stock 185 with a camber lift wing (Post late 1972) performs really well for most operations but if someone is looking for better performance on the slow side of the envelope these mods make a huge difference. This 185 has 8.5 x 10s, bubbles, and a Snider Speed kit on the gear legs. It cruises at 142/143 KTAS LOP at 12 gph. I think it gets closer to 148 knots ROP but burns 16-17. Would be faster with smaller tires and standard windows. I do not think the Sportsman or Wing X slowed the airplane down. The Wing X also increases the max gross weight limits significantly. I believe the C185F model have 3600 MGTOW with Wing X. That's 1600 lb UL for this late model C185. Pretty much pack the airplane full of anything you want. You can find a lot of information about Wing X on the Skywagon FB page - it has been reviewed several times and is universally loved and accepted. The float/Amphib guys say it is a must have modification.

Only downside to Wing X is it extends the wingspan to 39 feet. Difficult for standard T hangars. I may be adding this mod to my C180 if I can ever find a bigger hangar. I would love to add Aux tanks and have an extra 300 lbs UL.

Thanks Josh and everyone else for the info. I found one for sale with the Wing X mod and I hadn't flown one and was curious about it. You guys have answered my questions, I appreciate it.

Grant

I always wonder about wing extension mods.

If installing the wing extensions reduces VNE with new marked redline on the airspeed and also reduces stall speed why does VA not change? The longer wing span should increase bending moment and reduce the allowable G loading plus reducing the stall speed. VA is unchanged with installation of the STC?
Installing the STC redline VNE is reduced from 182 knots to 165 knots on a late A185F

Stock or STC installed, VA speed for landplane is 117 knots indicated.

This modification combined with a leading edge extension, 550 conversion, speed fairing kit and light weight on wheels. There is a 12 sq ft wing area increase for adding the Wing tip extensions, 4 sq ft increase for Sportsman leading edges +VG kit? Much higher AOA available before stall because of the leading edge mods and lower AOA in cruise.

What percent power setting of the 550 keeps it at VA on rough days when operating at light weight?