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Kit Options
Detailed below are various options that can be ordered that are not included within the standard kit:-
CORROSION PROTECTION
We have just installed a new metal treatment plant to provide all the aluminium tubes and fittings of our Fast Build kits with outstanding corrosion protection both externally and internally. This process has taken a year of development with a major chemical company, during recent testing we exposed sample tubes to a salt spray test of 72 hours and 90% humidity at 34 degrees centigrade, untreated tubes showed significant corrosion whilst the treated tubes came out of the test completely unmarked. This process eliminates the need for the application of Zinc Chromate (always difficult to apply to tubes internally with good results), adds no weight to the aircraft and provides the ideal substraight for subsequent paint if the builder want to.
Fast Build Wing Kit (NOW AVAILABLE)
We have been asked for ways to reduce the build time for the Sherwood Rangers, we are currently working to create a fast build wing kit at reasonable costs. Over the last 6 months we have been working on a new assembly system that would lend itself to our production methods, increase assembly repeatability and increase overall strength. We are aiming to have this option available towards the end of the 3rd quarter 2011.
Fuel Filler Cap
Designed to fit the 42 ltr composite forward tank we are now offering a non locking quick release filler cap with integral breather and cam action retainer. The anodised receptacle can be bonded into the recess of the tank with a Loctite epoxy system. The cost of the filler cap with integral breather and receptacle ring Part Number OE103 £47.83
Control Panels
Getting a good control panel with well spaced instruments is one challenge, getting the panel with all the screw holes in the right place is quite another, I know I have tried to do it several times. In G-TLAC we have a front and rear panel which works well for us and a panel that enables both P1 and P2 to fly, the P1 panel has been laid out with the Rotax 582 in mind but could easily be adapted to suit other engine installations. One must remember that the Sherwood Ranger is an open cockpit biplane, reference to instrumentation whilst being a legal requirement is somewhat secondary to flying the plane and the sound of the wind in the wires can replace the ASI and VSI when operating in a general handling environment.
The P2 (forward cockpit) panel contains 3 instruments, typically ASI, Altimeter and Turn Indicator. The P1 (rear cockpit) houses ASI, Compass, Altimeter, Tachometer and in our case a water temp gauge, it also 10 holes which can house circuit breakers, switches and or indicator lights. We also utilise the areas to either side of the control panels to fit additional gauges.
The P1 panel appears to be over long, but his is to allow the panel to be folded and hinged off of the tube directly in front of it, the hinge system make life a lot easier when going through the wiring phase of the build also simplifies any ongoing maintenance. The also creates a "shelf" that supports and protects wiring that feeds the instrument panel.
Left - Front (P2) Control Panel OE101 £16.00
Right - Rear (P1) Control Panel OE100 £32.00