Nose Gear Door

[ezbuilder]

I'm working on the nose gear doors and I want to use a spring steel strap 3" wide to actuate the doors.
Can anyone provide the thickness of the material I need to use?

I’d just order a selection of each thickness  but the stuff is expensive from mcmaster.com.

If anyone has a better source for spring steel let me know.

[Anonymous]

I don't know exactly what you need the strap for, but at least one person has used a short length of surgical tubing fixed to the inner side of each door.  When the gear leg retracts, it hits this tubing, draws it up into the well, and pulls the door shut in the process.  Thus, when fully retracted, the tubing is above gear leg.

[ezbuilder]

I've seen that done and I've seen a spring used. But the best system I've
seen is a hoop of spring steel that is attached to both doors. As the wheel
is retracted it pulls the doors up. Just like the tubing or spring. The
advantage is the sprint steel strap holds the doors open when the gear is down.

[rutanfan]

I believe you are refering to the Berkut style nose gear door which utilizes a stainless steel strap to keep the door open, and a spring to pull it shut upon retraction. James Redmon has a great description on his web page. http://www.berkut13.com/ngrdor4.jpg

I purchased the Berkut plans from John Griffiths (310) 390-7841. I was actually looking at the plans yesterday, and it calls out all components of the gear door. If I were you, I'd contact John and request a set of the nose gear plans. I'm sure it would save you a lot of time.

I've got the plans folded up and put away, so if you'd prefer I'll look up the specific items. Let me know if you need them.

Ray

[Gilbert DRIEUX]

Nice and interesting picture of the Nose Gear Door system.
I just need few informations :
What are the dimensions of the stainless steel strap ?
                                                       Thickness and width : ?
Regards,

Happy new year to you all;
F-PMPZ.
 :lol:

[Anonymous]

Use a 0.080 dia wire approximately 17" long. The spring is approximately 4.5" long. Verify with your actual opening.

[Gilbert DRIEUX]

Thank you very much,
I knew the system with the spring, but, still now, did not imagine to add a wire (not a strap).
I'll first make a full size pattern/templet before application on the Bird...
Thanks again. :lol:

[RPaille]

I have this type on my varieze. Just make sure you put a metal flap over the right side bolt on the wheel , so when the nose gear goes up; if not centered if will push out the right side end of the door and not catch on the end.

Mike
22VE

[Gilbert DRIEUX]

I have this type on my varieze. Just make sure you put a metal flap over the right side bolt on the wheel , so when the nose gear goes up; if not centered if will push out the right side end of the door and not catch on the end.

Mike
22VE

W or w/o door, metal flap is a good idea; Both sides....