I'm considerably behind the curve when it comes to reading posts to this list, but I did notice some discussion on spoilers. The obvious first choice is to go with conventional sailplane-style spoilers that are essentially hinged flaps that deploy upwards off the upper surface of the wing, but the ones used by Mooney are interesting in their own way. They are the Precise Flight "SpeedBrakes" and they operate scissor-style as they emerge from the wing. Picture here: https://preciseflight.com/general-aviation/shop/speedbrakes/ and they do have a system available for experimental aircraft but they want $4595 for it ;o) They are electric, the set weighs 9 lbs. but that includes electric actuators. A clever builder could come up with a mechanical scissors motion and dispense with the electrics to save the weight of actuators.
It obviously took a great deal of engineering and testing to determine the best place to put them on the airfoil. Anybody got a wind tunnel? ;o) Just more food for thought. Oscar Zuniga Medford, OR
