I have to begin making a few decisions on how to drop a few pounds (off my
butt and my airplane!)
For one, I'm considering making the composite tank as outlined in Tony
Bengelis' book. This would be the foam/glass sandwich he describes. Questin
is, is it lighter than the aluminum tank specified in my plans? I'm sure
part of it is how much resin you lather on, but is it possible to save a
couple of pounds here? Leaving the wieght aside, it's an attractive looking
propostion. By the way, the tank is a removable wing tank, about 4'by 2' by
5".
Next, what's the lightest practical covering? Biplane, weighs about 1450
lbs, redlines at 150 mph. In other words, what's the lightest system for a
cub type machine?
Finally, Wheels and brakes. They need to be reasonably robust and the plans
call for cessna type axles, wheels and brakes, but can imake any
significant savings by subsitituting something else? I don't want to put
plastic wheelbarow whels on , by the way! I'm talking about maybe
substituting cub, luscombe,whatever might be suitable which will give me a
few pounds.
any suggestions aobut these or any other tricks anyone might know greatly
appreciated!