whats the added weight
whats the added weight
Per previous post upgrade is not trivial in time to install, modifications of existing systems, cooling (cowl) and cost . Loss of untility (speed and payload) small but it is something. Worth the upgrade? Totally up to you.
If anyone has done upgrade or about to, it would be great if you post your re-build mod on the forum with lots of pictures. May be this documented nose gear retrofit already exist on VAF or WWW. Please post link for others. Cheers
Thanks for posting Ref.
• Empty weight: Increased from 1088 lbs to 1093 lbs (+5 lbs)
• Nose wheel arm: Moved forward 1.18 inches
• CG in specific typical max-gross-weight loading scenario: Moved forward
from 81.447 inches (21.60%) to 81.174 inches (21.08%)
• Nose wheel weight measured in specific typical max-gross-weight loading scenario: Increased from 318.0 lbs to 333.3 lbs (+15.3 lbs)
• Cooling changes: Due to the changes to the engine mount and gear structure near the exit area of the cowl, exit airflow was reduced. Louvers were added to increase exit airflow and properly cool the engine. Net result on the demonstrator aircraft after all modifications including louvers was slightly lower operating engine temperatures than before the changes, with improvement especially noted during climbs. Airspeed was unaffected."[/I][/INDENT]
Per previous post upgrade is not trivial in time to install, modifications of existing systems, cooling (cowl) and cost . Loss of untility (speed and payload) small but it is something.
Does any one know why this modification is not offered for 8-A aircraft?
As noted in the document from Van's, no measurable difference in airspeed was noted during testing.
No "Measurable" difference does not mean no difference. Adding weight it is axiomatic you will increase basic empty weight, reduce usable payload, reduce rate of climb and yes speed & range, even if it's small or nil. It is hard to measure changes in speed loss of a MPH or two, but it's not impossible.
The original nose gear looks cleaner aerodynamically, but both new and old nose gears use the same 11x4.00-5 tire I believe. Correct me if I am wrong on tire size. Personally I think they should have gone to 5.00 x 5 like the RV-10. That would effect speed more, but it would add even more resistance to nose wheel digging in and pole vaulting the plane.
Cooling? I think that is effected, which can affect cooking drag and speed, but again this can be mitigated and a small loss. However it is not nothing.
I stand by my statement you will lose speed. How much no one can say. I would not argue with Van's saying loss of speed is not (easily) measurable. May be someone who has made mod can give a before and after.
"I bet" is not a scientific statement. I did not say theroretical, I stated facts. You have no idea what "test" was done or definition of "measurable" means. Does it mean nothing? No. If it was nothing they woukd say that.bI guess there is always room for argument based on the theoretical but I would bet the rest of the world is willing to accept a statement that testing showed no measurable speed difference…..
You have no idea what "test" was done or definition of "measurable" means.
The real problem is that this kit isn’t available until October or later!
So let me ask you this. If you make an airplane slightly heaver, slightly less aerodynamic gear (larger frontal area), and impead cooling air exit air glow (cooling drag) the airplane will get:
A) Plane will GO faster
B) Plane will GO slower