Klaus Composites Debuts Swan Neck Wing

Klaus Composites Debuts Swan Neck Wing Package

printed ABS mount carrier inserts are formed intothe wing core, tying all three wing componentstogether into one optimized, load sharing assembly

Swan neck wings avoid a common pitfall associated with flow separation on the underside of the wing surface brought on by intrusive underside mounts, especially in high camber wing profiles running at high angles of attack. Swan necks rose in popularity between 2008 and 2009 in response to a change in ACO regulations that dictated LMP wing elements be reduced in span and chord by 400 and 50 millimeters, respectively. To regain the 30+% decrease in downforce (~600 pounds) over the previous year’s larger rear wing setups, LMP chassis builders took to their workstations and wind tunnels, developing new profiles and, most importantly, the swan neck mounting scheme, clawing back almost all the downforce lost by the rule change. Swan neck wings have, since then, become ubiquitous in LMP and GT car competition. The Klaus Composites swan neck wing’s custom high-camber profile was specifically tailored to coupe and sedan body styles and is intended for use in 250 to 500 horsepower racing applications. A rounded leading edge reduces pitch sensitivity, providing more stable and usable downforce regardless of vehicle attitude changes under braking and acceleration. The all carbon fiber wing element uses a longitudinal corrugated core and leading-edge splice eliminating potential for leading edge joint separation. 3D

for maximum strength and minimum weight. The integrated gurney flap increases aerodynamic efficiency. Bonded in black anodized aluminum mounts provide six distinct angle of attack adjustments. The wing is fully finished to a mirror polish using a high quality UV stable automotive urethane clear coat. Custom finishes are available upon request. The wing element weighs eight pounds fully finished and assembled with end plates. Current models come with a maximum sixty-six inch overall length with a twelve inch chord. Optimized all-carbon end plates are included. The uprights are carbon fiber hollow construction again finished with high-gloss UV stable automotive urethane

clear coat. Custom finishes are also available upon request. Uprights are placed twenty-four inches on center, with custom mounting widths available upon request These position the wing at roof-height and

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approximately ten inches behind the rear bumper on BMW E36, E46, E9X, and F3/8X platforms. The uprights can be custom tailored to suit other makes and models as well as mounting positions if necessary. Each upright weighs approximately 1.5 lbs, for a combined (wing, uprights, and end plates) weight of eleven pounds. The uprights are designed to pass through the trunk skin and attach to vertical, adequately braced structural mounts (customer furnished) to transfer downforce directly to the chassis without excessive

deflection. Trunk skin mounting is not adequate on its own and the chassis mounts must be capable of supporting approximately five-hundred pounds of sustained downforce and be sturdy enough to remain rigid in all directions in response to forward, back and side to side loading from drag forces and turbulence induced wing vibrations. Use two thrubolts with large fender washers per upright to attach the solid carbon upright bases to this structure. Use of blue Loctite is recomended on all fasteners. The kit ncludes stainless steel binding post hardware to mount wing element to uprights, and stainless screws for attaching end plates to the wing element. Additional hardware for bolting uprights to reinforced mounting structure must be supplied by the customer.

Availability – Typically we keep one to two units in stock. Lead time in case of backorder ~3 weeks. The wing kit is available from Klaus Composites, Morehead Speed Works, and BimmerWorld. It retails for $4000 USD.

Klaus Composites can be found on the Internet at http://klauscomposites.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/klauscomposites/ and

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