Phase 1 testing
Flights and testing are ongoing. I’m fixing hidden bugs as they show up, but every bug fixed is one less problem in the future. We flew again and have some more time on the plane. We found a tiny pinhole leak in a bleed air line. Naturally it was in the worst place, but after removal of the line, it was easy to weld up to standards. Back together now and engine starts show no problems.
Some photos of bird last time out.
On the way out. Power steering makes taxiing easy.
Thrust attenuators and belly brake are very effective
Nose profile. Plan is to use only two underwing fuel tanks. Nice to have extra fuel but there is a drag penalty to be paid, too.
February 25th, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Great!
Was wondering how you were coming along and about to send a private email.
Lemme tellya, without full drops, the bird is a rocket – think 800 feet ground roll.
Gums sends…
March 1st, 2014 at 3:25 PM
Very nice, Charlie. Congratulations on getting that beautiful bird back in the air!
March 1st, 2014 at 4:57 PM
Thanks Phil
Hope your NWOC was a success. Best to Karen and all.
C
March 20th, 2014 at 10:11 AM
Sweet looking bird. I hope to see it in a airshow soon.
April 20th, 2014 at 6:29 PM
Not sure if you would be interested but I have some brand new A-37B canopy glass and a windshield. If your interested feel free to contact me
April 21st, 2014 at 5:31 AM
Not needed, as I built new moulds for the canopy and windscreens and formed new units. Screens are 1/2″ bird-resistant polycarbonate, canopy is 1/4″. They are really nice.
Flew 5 hours this week in Phase 1 with no major issues. Gotta re-align main gear, put in new taxi light, and fixed the g-meter (was in locked position–agh!!). New VSI, but we still peg it at 6’ooo fpm. Completed aerobatics for the testing, including Cuban 8s, loops, rolls, split S, etc. Full Monty. Even shot two ILS approaches.
Flies hands-off with no trim–very straight. More flying next month after adjustments and verification.
April 21st, 2014 at 5:38 AM
Yep. Ground run is very short. I’ve trimmed engines to 99% to save them. Simply don’t need 101.5, too much.
April 21st, 2014 at 2:26 PM
Sounds good. And that’s a beautiful bird glad to see a few still flying