New wingtip smoke system has unexpected vortex effect, T-28 now flies through its own rings

Herb Baker has been a pilot since 1960, when he earned his private ticket after the Navy would not accept him into the Cadet program due to his failing the eye exam. Thirty seven years later, after a career that saw military service during the Berlin Crisis, and after earning his instrument, multi-engine, CFI and A&P ratings, he decided to become an air show pilot.

With a T-28 rating on his ticket, and an aircraft fresh from a six-year restoration and an EAA Oshkosh award, Herb and Ditto -- a name inspired by the movie "Ghost" -- joined the air show circuit. During his performances, Herb and Ditto performs a high speed opening canopy pass at 330 miles per hour and even simulates a carrier landing.

However, one thing bothered Herb -- he wanted a better smoke system for his aircraft, one that provided a better quality trail with a well-defined visual experience. Not finding what he wanted in the market, he designed his own. The result is a new system with custom heaters in the tips of his wings. The smoke that comes out of the tip is not quickly dissipated by prop wash, and retains its shape for much longer periods of time.

Herb did not expect one of the side effects of his new system, though. The smoke trail was not disturbed as it was created behind the prop, but it was affected by the vortex created by his wings as he flew. He also found that the smoke made beautiful rings, donuts, keyholes and other shapes as he went through his routine. He didn't quite understand why the trails disconnect and reconnect into the shapes, but he knew he was on to something.

Seeing an opportunity for a unique air show "edge," Herb changed his routine to include attempts to fly through the smoke rings, in both upright and inverted attitudes. The reaction from the fans was immediate -- and they were delighted.

According to Herb, he and Ditto are now the only air show performers able to entertain their fans by creating these smoke rings and other artifacts with his wingtip vortices during their show, and then flying through them.

FMI: www.herb-ditto.com