Progress report on “Blue II”
For October 2008
We got a lot of work done on “Blue II” this
month. Most of it is little stuff than does not
make for impressive photos, but is all are items
that must be done.
The MLG doors are complete and fit very nicely.
I have the new solenoid actuated door latches
but do not have them installed yet. More
information about the gear door latches will
come next month.
We
got a new engine and the engine that came with
the “Blue Thunder II” kit from RFI early this
month and as they sit, their weigh 631 and 640
pounds respectively. We will put the PSRU’s on
them when we get a new starter from Tilton. The
engines have been programmed using the Motec M-6
ECUs.
Other small items completed are the stabilizer
and elevators, the wing tips have been trimmed
and sanded along with the dorsal fin.
One small set back became evident when we tried
to install the ailerons. They did not fit well
at all, and a lot more work must be done there.
We coated the firewall with Flame Control
#46081X heat shield and attached the engine
mount. We will coat the wheel wells with the
same heat shield when everything in there has
been tested.
The
canopy frame has been assembled and is fully
operational. The plexiglas bubble and wind
screen has had an initial trimming but
installations will be postponed until just
before the painting process is started. The
good news on the canopy is the canopy release
system in totally contained within the canopy
frame. The bad news is that it will not be
fully functional in this canopy. I got ahead of
myself in the assembly, and I am not tearing
this one apart. The new release system will
have to wait until the next canopy we build.
The plans for November is to mate the wing and
fuselage, install the seats, armrests and build
the center radio stack console. The fuselage
will then be removed for installation of the
avionics.
Jan and I, along with the Blue Crew wish
everyone a Happy Halloween. We are so grateful
for your continued support. In case I do not
get the November “Blue II” report out before
Thanksgiving, we wish everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving.
Thanks again.
Blue
Thunder Air Racing
