Chapter 9 - Main Landing Gear & Landing Brake
The Plan
In this chapter we will install the main landing gear and landing brake. We will start by adding reinforcing layups to the landing gear bulkheads and firewall, trim the main gear strut to length, sand it dull then 8 plys of UNI at 35 degree over the entire strut for torsional stiffness. We will install a conduit for brake lines from soda straws and feather the trailing edge for minum drag. We will jig the strut into position on the fuseloge, make the attachment glass tab layups, and assemble the gear on the fuselage. With the strut installed, the axles are mounted, drilled in, and installed. The landing gear cover is also built at this time.In this chapter we will cut out the landing brake, install plywood inserts in the fuselage and top of the landing brake, install the hinge, glass the recess in the fuselage and the landing brake, and permanently install the brake.
Firewall to Aft landing Gear Bulkhead Layup
In this area we installed three layups. The first on was across the centerportion covering the NACA duct. The next was for additional support for the firewall to side and side to aft landing gear bulkhead. It makes a C shape vertically around the corner. It starts on the firewall, wraps onto the side, then onto the aft bulkhead and includes the gear attach points. The third layup also covers this area but it horizontally. It goes down from the firewall to the bottom, across the bottom, then up the aft bulkhead.
These 2 layups are some more strengthening for the main landing gear on both sides. Additionally there is more glass added to the inside of this area as well. The rear of the plane is quite a bit heavier than the front at this point.
Main Gear
Here are my new set of main gear legs! I was able to work out with another builder, that was going to install his own retract gears, to obtain this partially completed main gear. Thank you Clutch Cargo aka Kevin!!!
At this point I have the main gear mounted in place and am aligning to mount the wheels. It sure will be nice to finally see this bird standing on it own legs.
The Landing Brake
The area for the landing brake is now cleaned out and ready for glassing. As you can see, a hole into the cockpit was established to provide for the handle to lower the brake. Careful alignment of the attachment brace, at the front of the brake area, allows for easier installation. Next step is to glass this area.
With the landing brake removed from the fuselage, it is prepared for glassing. Care must be given to prevent any stray exopy or micro from getting into the hinge. A wooden attach point is installed for the accuation lever. Before glassing any part like this insure there is a piece of poly between it and the table. If you don't it will be very hard to get it off the table, ask how I know.
Main Gear Cover
A cover for the main landing gear, is real easy to manufacture by the time you get to this point. Foam is put in place and supported so it can be shaped. Then the glass is put on the outside, once it hardens, the inside is shaped, glassed and set back in place to cure. Here it is glassed and waiting to cure enough to turn over and placed in position on the plane for cure.