Blue Thunder Air Racings, June, 2008 report on construction progress of “Blue II.”

Finally, the long awaited electrically operated fuel valve arrived sans the cover.  We will try to make a very nice exposed carbon cover for the drive mechanism.   The valve is mounted on the left but line XX wing rib and some of the plumbing is completed.

One primary objective of the fuel system design was to eliminate all fuel, with it’s associated fire hazard, from the cockpit.  I have had enough of that.

In the second step to having a fully “drive by wire” airplane, we have been successful in negotiations with the MT Propeller Company to provide us with an electrically controlled prop governor in exchange for some promotional considerations.  This will permit RPM control with a switch from either the cockpit or the ground station.  We should receive the governor in the first week of August with pictures in the August report.

I must apologize for the lack of progress on “Blue II” during the week of the Pylon Racing School while George Giboney and I were out flying around getting our FAST cards.

George completed the Pylon Racing School course and is now a fully qualified racing pilot.  George is the TBG’s standard bearer this September with the “Blue Crew” supporting him 110%.

The radiator cooling air exit door is not turning out as nicely as I had hoped it would, but I believe it will fill our objective of effectively controlling the engine temperature as well as reducing drag.

The oil cooling air exit door is all new and should function as well as the one on Blue did as well as look quite good.

In next month’s report, we should be able to show the fuselage closed out and be near ready to close out the wing.

On June 30 2008 we were finally ready to close out the “Blue II” fuselage with just short of 1400 gms. of Hysol.

Once again, Jan and I, with the entire Blue Crew, wish to thank everyone for their continued support.

Blue Thunder Air Racing