Carbon Wing Skin

Second generation propeller tests. The engine is now fuel injected and has electronic ignition, and the fuel/air ratio and spark advance has mostly been optimized. The engine also now has a high performance water pump and a cog belt accessory drive. The second generation propeller has been run up to 5500 engine RPM, 2300 propeller RPM. The test stand now boasts a cooling system having two radiators, one inside a 55 gallon drum containing water. Water can be pumped through the drum to maintain adequate cooling for long high power static runs. The propeller is unpainted, which accounts for its mottled look. The propeller now has counterweight arms which counteract the tendency of the blade to stay at flat pitch.

Root of completed right outer wing panel, showing outer spar which inserts into the inner spar in the wing center section. (The two wing panels from the booms outward are removable.)

Another view of the wing center section, showing both booms, and showing the two main landing gear wheel wells, one open and the other closed. Each wing outer panel is held in place by a bolt which is accessible through the panel visible in the bottom center of the wing.

The left boom with the main landing gear doors closed (gear inside). The mottled appearance is body putty over the carbon/graphite boom.

The right boom, showing the right landing gear fully extended. The landing gear door mechanism holds the doors fully open until the wheel is almost all the way inside.

One of our test propellers, cut open to show the hollow interior and shear web in the root part of the blade.

A cutaway of the tip of a test propeller, showing the spar bonded into the hollow blades.

One of the two front seats. The foam is energy absorbing.

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