Gestalt

[Mayfield]

Although I am a loooong way from flying and even further from kitting the aircraft (if I decide to do so), I think I will start posting some progress pictures.

Just for info I have decided to give the aircraft, and kit if it materializes, a working title of the "Gestalt."

Attached are a couple of pictures of the "H" stab.

In keeping with my desire to produce an aircraft with a nostalgic feel, the "H" stab is designed to be externally wire braced. There will be a drag penalty, but it makes a light weight structure possible.

The stab is 86 inches wide with a chord at the deepest point of 43 inches.

Construction is 1 X .058 main structural tubes with .025 bent ribs and .032 gusset plates. The trailing edge is .375 X .035 tube. If I kit the aircraft all tubes and ribs will be pre-bent and the gussets sheared.

The stab area is 18 ft/sq and is on a 12 foot arm to quarter chord. The rotor system is 28 feet in diameter so my tail volume is quite large. I suspect it should be very stable in pitch

Jim Mayfield

[iconnary]

From the dictionary :

gestalt : A physical, biological, psychological, or symbolic configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that its properties cannot be derived from a simple summation of its parts.

Clever :) Do you have any sketches of the entire aircraft? I'd love to see your mind's picture of what it will look like when finished.

[GyroRon]

Looks like it goes together kinda like a Challenger ultralight. Light and strong!

[Mayfield]

Still a long way, but a little progress. It takes far more time to establish the bill of Materials and design an element than it does to build the component.

The fuselage is essentially complete except for gear attach points, firewall is installed, and horizontal is finished and attached. Shape of vertical (to allow for rotor clearance) is established.

Jim

[Heron]

Wow! :)
Is there a line for reps? :D
What about a structural fiber cabin, possible?
thanks
Heron

[Screw]

Screw-In

That's what I'm talking about! Watcha considering for powerplant?

Screw-Out

[darrellwittke]

You get after it Jim! Maybe we can start a gyro build off series with you and skyguy competing! :) One thing I've always loved about old planes is that padded leather ring around the cockpit. Good luck and thanks for keeping us aprised of your doings.

[pappyadkins]

What a Beauty - I LOVE it... can't wait to see it fly! I'd love to be in line as rep as well... Why wouldn't this sell itself!

[Rando]

Jim,

Any updates?

[scottessex]

Tail dragger or tricycle?

[Victor Duarte]

Hi Jim,
that's a fantastic work.
it's gonna be a really beautyful gyro. What kind of rotor do you plan to use ?

[Mayfield]

Good morning,

I'm not going very fast on the project, but am having fun.

I'll try to post some more pictures soon.

It is conventional gear. I really want a true suspension system. I have looked at every thing from a Grove aluminium spring gear to a replica of the gear on the Baby Ace. No decisions yet. The easiest, by far, is to go with the spring gear and have rebound controlled by scrub. The only real drawback is esthetics. I'll decide shortly.

Although it would look fantastic with a three blade rotor, I will go with two blades on this one I think. I have one of Ernie's heads and a set of 28 foot Dragon Wings.

As always, when designing, I am constantly making the weight, esthetics, performance, reliability, strength, tradeoffs.

Jim

[Cobra Doc]

Fairchild F24 style gear would look good. A bit complicated, but appropriate for the style.

[Victor Duarte]

Jim,
the fieseler "storch" had a very interesting landing gear, high and able to absorb very rough landings.

http://www.war-eagles-air-museum.com/storch_5.html

[Rando]

Jim,

Any new updates?

[StanFoster]

Jim: Looking good. I know it will work out well for you. I sure am enjoying flying your last design.

Keep up the good work.

Stan

[WHY]

Jim, you are an inspiration, go go go

Tony

[Mayfield]

Thanks guys,

I've made a little progress in the last few months. I'll post some more pictures shortly.

Jim

[MikeBoyette]

Jim,
Are you going to grace us with your presence at Bensen Days this year? Even if you don't bring your new creation I would still love to see you there.

[Mayfield]

Mike,

I won't be able to decide for a nother week or so. I hope very much to see you all at BD.

Jim