The LN-3 Seagull is a two seat experimental

aircraft intended for the homebuilt, LSA and UL markets.

PROGRESS REPORT

(May-06-2010)

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Moving on…

Setting up a production facility is quite far away from flying but requires as much attention and the updating of the web page is as usual getting behind.

In the three months of this year we have built two temperature controlled ovens, acquired and installed a CNC milling machine and are right now setting up an Autometrix CNC cutting machine that is ready for use in a few days.

The big oven is 2.6 x 1.2 x 7.2 m meaning it can take a whole fuselage half mold and two wing molds at the same time. The other oven takes all smaller parts as wing tips, wheel pants/stabilization floats and the like.

With high precision the CNC Milling Machine makes mold plugs directly from 3-D computer models. It furthermore cut shapes, holes etc. in formers, bulkheads and ribs.

The Autometrix Cutting Machine cuts weaves and spacer material that are 2.5 x 6 m from a computer file that nests all pieces in a pattern for maximum utilization of the quite expensive material.

With the above equipment we can leave the messy wet lay-up method we used for the prototype and instead go for pre epoxy impregnated weaves vacuumed in molds and baked in the ovens at high temperature. This gives lighter, stronger and also parts that can stand higher ambient temperatures without loosing strength.

Parallel with this the modification of the prototype is going on. We are racing to get ready when the still thick ice on the lakes finally vanishes. Referring to our schedules we are lagging behind somewhat for the moment but the oncoming spring is also late so we will see how it ends.

When the prototype is back in the air, we look forward to a relatively short finalization of the flight test program and then welcome you for test rides.

Thanks for your interest,

Lage