Rebel - Compresion Spring Struts 12 " R&D
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:49 pm
Just a quick post to say I have uploaded 5 pictures of my new 12"
compression struts installed, to Rebel - Misc (or new for now). My initial
dimensions seemed to have worked out fairly well.
Of course now with double the strut extension, for the same given weight,
they had to be made shorter than the 6" model to give a straight sitting
tire when loaded. This gives quite a bit more inward camber in flight, so
it's going to be very important if flying skis to have a well rounded outer
edge so they don't catch when landing on hardpack. Will also mean that if
you convert them back to 6 inches of spring that you will always have inward
camber, and on pavement that will eat the tires a little quicker but should
be no big deal.
The advantages for these will only be needed when flying the extremes
from/into unapproved fields/gravel bars/ beaches/etc or doing some really
bad landings! ;o( Otherwise you will be just fine with the original 6"
model that I put together back in 1994. I just removed the prototypes from
my airplane, for the first time today since 1994! The attach bolts have
absolutely no wear on them (other than the cadium coating worn off) and the
holes in the struts are still round as well and not worn oval.
The 12 inches of spring is still going to bottom out at the same "G" force
(if you can get it to go that far without busting you spine), but since you
will now have double the travel for a given weight (compared to the 6") this
will give you double the tire "scrub" necessary to let the strut extend that
far in the first place. Ride is going to be a little softer and may sway a
bit side to side compared to the shorter traveling 6" springs.
I hope to be out "playing"..read justifiable R & D expense for
business!!;o).. on them for a good part of the day tomorrow!! Will play in
the snow for awhile and then go over to a paved runway and try them out
there as well. Will let you all know how much fun I had (I mean how well
they worked!!) once I am done testing them out!
Keep at it guys, it really is worth it!! ;o)))
Cheers,
Wayne G. O'Shea
www.irishfield.on.ca
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compression struts installed, to Rebel - Misc (or new for now). My initial
dimensions seemed to have worked out fairly well.
Of course now with double the strut extension, for the same given weight,
they had to be made shorter than the 6" model to give a straight sitting
tire when loaded. This gives quite a bit more inward camber in flight, so
it's going to be very important if flying skis to have a well rounded outer
edge so they don't catch when landing on hardpack. Will also mean that if
you convert them back to 6 inches of spring that you will always have inward
camber, and on pavement that will eat the tires a little quicker but should
be no big deal.
The advantages for these will only be needed when flying the extremes
from/into unapproved fields/gravel bars/ beaches/etc or doing some really
bad landings! ;o( Otherwise you will be just fine with the original 6"
model that I put together back in 1994. I just removed the prototypes from
my airplane, for the first time today since 1994! The attach bolts have
absolutely no wear on them (other than the cadium coating worn off) and the
holes in the struts are still round as well and not worn oval.
The 12 inches of spring is still going to bottom out at the same "G" force
(if you can get it to go that far without busting you spine), but since you
will now have double the travel for a given weight (compared to the 6") this
will give you double the tire "scrub" necessary to let the strut extend that
far in the first place. Ride is going to be a little softer and may sway a
bit side to side compared to the shorter traveling 6" springs.
I hope to be out "playing"..read justifiable R & D expense for
business!!;o).. on them for a good part of the day tomorrow!! Will play in
the snow for awhile and then go over to a paved runway and try them out
there as well. Will let you all know how much fun I had (I mean how well
they worked!!) once I am done testing them out!
Keep at it guys, it really is worth it!! ;o)))
Cheers,
Wayne G. O'Shea
www.irishfield.on.ca
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