Bullet / Cylindrical Shaped Storage Comp.

gyropilot

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Joined
Oct 30, 2003
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Location
Benson, AZ
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Hi all,

I'm trying to alleviate the lack of any storage capability on my gyro... which is sorely needed for the longer cross country flying I want to do this year.

What I have in mind as a possible solution are two cylindrical shaped compartments... one on either side of the engine mount... oriented horizontally and lengthwise with the airframe axis. They would mount approx. even with the bottom of the engine. This location seems a good compromise between space available and not lowering the vertical CG.

Ideally, these cylindrical storage compartments would be approx. 8" x 18-20", have rounded or bullet shaped ends for a lower drag profile, and have a lid or door to load from the side or top... although I could live with loading from end if need be.

Picture one of those cylindrical spun aluminum dune buggy tanks and you'll have an idea of what I'm after. Of course I want these storage compartments to be as light as possible, so I guess I'm looking for something thin, made of aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic.

I'm not sure how much they weigh, but I would imagine spun aluminum dune buggy tanks are unnecessarily thick and heavy for what I want... although I won't rule them out. Here's a picture of what I'm talking about:

[RotaryForum.com] - Bullet / Cylindrical Shaped Storage Comp.


Having a couple of spun aluminum storage compartments ("tanks" if you will) custom made would cost a fortune, so I'd rather exhaust all the alternatives before I try that route. It would be nice to find something off-the-shelf to modify (by adding an access door and building mounts), but as a last resort I suppose I could look into make something out of fiberglass cloth and resin over a foam core (later dissolved).

Someone once suggested I look into plastic sewer pipe... and I intend to do that this weekend... but my first thought is most plastic pipe I've seen in diameters that large is pretty thick walled, not to mention I'd wind up with flat end caps.

I'm hoping someone out there might be able to give me some ideas as to where I might look for something similar to modify.

Thanks in advance,

John L.
Shoreline, WA
 
I think R&D did have some bullet type storage compartments. I will have to keep serching in my mind. will let you know
chuck
 
John,

They make PVC air duct which has a much thinner wall than sewer pipe. Whatever you use, be sure to put tail fins on them so they look like missiles (grin).

Alan
 
Fake Weapons

Fake Weapons

Alan Coats said:
Whatever you use, be sure to put tail fins on them so they look like missiles (grin).

Alan
Now that's an excellent idea Alan! :)

I'm sure that would be a *really* big hit with the "Dept. of Homeland Defense" when I fly over Boeing Field.

No... I think I'll keep the weapon looking implements off my gyro until all the terrorists are gone from the planet. :)

John L.
 
What about Saddlebags off a motorcycle? I know they aren't very aerodynamic but I doubt at the speeds a gyro flys at it will make any difference anyway. You could go with Harley Davidson type Leather bags or more sporty fiberglass hard bags off a sport touring motorcycle. Most of the hard bags will accept a helmet
 
John,

I have been thinking along the same lines. I would like to carry my paperwork, extra radio, maps, and very importantly fuel additive for when I have to buy leaded fuel.
 
How about using Air Command type external fuel tanks. They come complete with mounting brackets and you can cut an opening around where the filler caps are located. I think they weigh about 2 lbs each..? It would be a challenge getting rid of the smell though.

Udi
 
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