Tue, Apr 20, 2010
Redesigned Canopy, Cockpit, And Landing Gear On Australian
Light Sport
The latest version of the TL-2000 Sting aircraft was introduced
at Aero Friedrichshafen, which wrapped up last week. The new Sting
aircraft known as the Series 4, or "S4" for short, features many
improvements which TL says further refine this already mature
aircraft.
Starting from the top, the canopy has been completely redesigned
to not only improve the pilot and passenger comfort when entering
and exiting the aircraft but also to improve the structure's
strength and ventilation. Additionally, closing and locking the
canopy has been simplified and a new canopy frame has further
improved the already excellent canopy sealing, visibility when
flying the aircraft and taxiing remains unchanged. The major
improvement is that the canopy now hinges on the engine firewall as
shown in the photographs. The canopy is still opened using gas lift
struts which makes both opening and closing the canopy a one-handed
operation. To assist entry and exit into the cockpit has seen the
addition of several conveniently located grab handles and
ventilation controls are now fitted into the canopy frame itself
allowing both the pilot and passenger the opportunity to further
fine tune the air direction and quantity to suit their
requirements.
The cockpit has been re-designed to accommodate a new, larger
instrument panel. The panel size and shape has been extended to fit
many of the large IFR category glass instruments which have
recently been introduced. In addition, the bottom edge of the
instrument panel has been lifted slightly to improve legroom. The
adjustable rudder pedals on previous versions of the Sting aircraft
have been completely redesigned into an easy adjustable
configuration with nine inches of fore and aft travel. The
adjustment is done by pulling on a grab handle placed between your
legs and pulling it to adjust the pedals to the most comfortable
position.
Rounding out the interior, the manual flap handle, which has
been a feature of the Sting aircraft since its inception, has been
replaced with a new electric controller and electric flap system,
and the baggage compartment behind the seats has been enlarged for
easier stowing and transportation of luggage up to an improved
maximum weight of 55 pounds. The new luggage area is completely
upholstered and covered with a cargo net.
TL says the landing gear is arguably the most significant
modification on the new series of Sting aircraft, resulting in an
undercarriage system which allows for very easy taxiing on the
ground and also provides for softer landing with a new high-energy
absorption system. This undercarriage also includes new aerodynamic
wheel covers. Another significant modification and aerodynamic
improvement includes the new nose cowling which provides more
aggressive looks but improves cooling for the Rotax engine. The
rudder and vertical tail fin has been modified and results in
higher aircraft rudder stability at all flight speeds.
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