|
Last week we made a temporary assembly of the whole aircraft.
The computer program gives a fairly good 3-D view but seeing the airplane in
real is still something different. Taste varies, but we all like the shape of
it. One titanium landing gear leg is completed and temporary
installed. The weight of just above a kilo is of course below the estimation
that assumed steel to be used. Our fancy for carbon fiber tubing with all the control system
struts made that way, by necessity means that also the joy-sticks have to be
carbon. These are curved however, why a different technique had to be used.
We made a plug and two female molds on that. Then the multi ply carbon braids
are epoxyed with rubber tube inserted and the whole package is laid up in the
mold halves that are then bolted together. Some air pressure inflates the
rubber hose and it is just to wait for the epoxy to cure. We strength tested a not perfect sample (got a flat in the
rubber hose too early), and it broke at a load of 51 kg (112 lbs) at the grip
location. According to the rules it should withstand 100 lbs. The next will
have two braids added. The cockpit interior except the seats is also shaped and fitted
in place. Both places are definitely roomy and all controls will be well in
hands. We are not surprised that we get a feeling of sitting in a modern
fighter cockpit. Thanks for
your interest Lage |