Story ID: 
Lam's Modified Wing Boosts Columbia Performance
By: Mark Phelps
Caption: The modified wing, the LAM Aero System, improves performance the company claims.
Word Count: 171
Lam Aviation announced at EAA AirVenture it has test flown a modified Columbia airframe incorporating Lam’s patented wing design, known as the LAM Aero System. The company reports it has achieved airspeeds as much as 26 knots true airspeed (ktas) higher than a stock Columbia, while also exhibiting greatly improved slow-speed handling.

Lam’s modified Columbia “Volant” uses a completely redesigned wing and control system with integrated flaps and ailerons. The resulting mix enables variable wing geometry that the company says enables greater speed, rate of climb and increased controllability in slow flight. Lam Aviation plans to make its LAM Aero System commercially available, and the company says its has contacted manufacturers and research agencies that are interested in the concept.

Late aeronautical engineer Larry Lam developed the aileron-flap interface in a two-place homebuilt in the 1970s, and his son Michael is the current head of Lam Aviation. He has a booth in the North Aircraft Display area at this year’s EAA AirVenture show.