Wed, Oct 31, 2007
Structure Bore Over 9,000 Lbs Load "Without So Much As A
Groan"
Lancair International tells ANN the Redmond, OR high-performance
homebuilt aircraft maker recently completed structural testing
on the aft fuselage and empennage for its new Evolution kit
aircraft.
With the previous successful testing of the wing -- and now the
successful testing of the aft fuse and empennage -- construction of
the first prototype fuselage is underway, according to Lancair.
"This is a giant leap forward in construction techniques," said
Timothy Ong, General Manager and Chief Engineer. "We are able to
attain incredible strength from these very light structures. Our
test empennage and rear portion of the fuselage from the pressure
bulkhead back which weigh only 55 lbs, was loaded to over 9,000 lbs
without so much as a groan!"
Mechanical Engineer Ben Phillips, who conducted the tests, was
equally satisfied with the test results and stated "It always
amazes me what you can do with composites."
Lancair tells ANN testing of elevators and rudder are now
underway, and will be completed in the weeks to come. The first
wing and horizontal stabilizer -- previously on display at
AirVenture 2007, as ANN reported -- will be
mated to the prototype's fuselage in the next few weeks in
anticipation of Evolution's first flight.
The company says the four-seat, pressurized Evolution homebuilt
will meet FAR Part 23 standards, including a 61kt stall speed,
while also offering the speed many expect from Lancair. Some of the
safety features include BRS parachute system, energy absorbing
seats and AmSafe Aviation airbag seatbelts. Power will come from a
Pratt and Whitney PT6A-135A, allowing speeds in excess of 385 mph
true using the four bladed Hartzell prop -- while sipping only
about 35 gallons of Jet A per hour.
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