Ralph
06-08-2005, 05:48 AM
I thought it would be helpful to comment on a few design issues that have been the subject of current posts.
Keel Length
The keel CAN be lengthened (between the forward stick mount and nose block), but it is easy to over-do it. For most guys it should not be necessary.
Rudder Pedal Support Bracket
This bracket is short and should be made from 1/8-inch 6061-T6. Short of crashing the machine, it should be VERY difficult to bend that material. In fact, given old Isaac Newton's Third Law, if you exert enough force on the pedals from the seat, you would probably bend the seat mounting braces as well. If you use the specified materials, deforming the bracket should be a non-issue.
Steering Accomodations
The absolute simplest approach to steering linkages is the Bensen approach that Doug Riley uses. For ground steering, put in an extension of the axle, spring-center the nosewheel, and steer (sled-steering mode) with your feet. For in-flight rudder control, cables directly from the pedals to the rudder horn would work. The only problem with that very simple arrangement is that if your feet are fighting each other, the rudder horn takes the beating. Linking the pedals to the control horn in the nose and then back to the rudder eliminates that problem. Basically, you steer with your feet until the rudder becomes effective, at which point you lift your feet to the rudder pedals. On landing, you fly it onto the deck with the rudder and then transfer to the steering pegs on the nosewheel to taxi.
StarBee Tail
The StarBee tail components are very nicely made and extremely light.
Ralph
Keel Length
The keel CAN be lengthened (between the forward stick mount and nose block), but it is easy to over-do it. For most guys it should not be necessary.
Rudder Pedal Support Bracket
This bracket is short and should be made from 1/8-inch 6061-T6. Short of crashing the machine, it should be VERY difficult to bend that material. In fact, given old Isaac Newton's Third Law, if you exert enough force on the pedals from the seat, you would probably bend the seat mounting braces as well. If you use the specified materials, deforming the bracket should be a non-issue.
Steering Accomodations
The absolute simplest approach to steering linkages is the Bensen approach that Doug Riley uses. For ground steering, put in an extension of the axle, spring-center the nosewheel, and steer (sled-steering mode) with your feet. For in-flight rudder control, cables directly from the pedals to the rudder horn would work. The only problem with that very simple arrangement is that if your feet are fighting each other, the rudder horn takes the beating. Linking the pedals to the control horn in the nose and then back to the rudder eliminates that problem. Basically, you steer with your feet until the rudder becomes effective, at which point you lift your feet to the rudder pedals. On landing, you fly it onto the deck with the rudder and then transfer to the steering pegs on the nosewheel to taxi.
StarBee Tail
The StarBee tail components are very nicely made and extremely light.
Ralph