Precious Metal Flight Testing

[Thom Richard]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Medium speeds and high G today. 400mph @ 6.5G's. No issues whatsoever.

We have a way to gauge if the canopy is lifting or bending at all, and so far, no movement. 0.005" would show. Unlike the old installation which was somewhat flexible. So, great success up to this point.

The roll rates with the new wingtips remain the same. No change in stall behavior, though we will do a bit more stall testing to verify numbers in different configurations.

Nothing to report on the strakes other than that they tufted ok.

The scoop does not cool as well in slow climbs, but it's easily managed with speed, power and, if necessary, dooor/spraybar. There's enough airflow to cool on the ground as well.

Time and weather permitting, we'll go for high speed/high G tomorrow. Otherwise it'll have to wait until after this airshow weekend!

Backseat? Well... Let me just say this. There will be no provisions for a back seat during the races. The extended canopy is built for a different reason. It's to take all of you along by means of a really fancy HD camera mount. You will all get to see the course in a way that has never before been captured on film...

[Race5]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Medium speeds and high G today. 400mph @ 6.5G's. No issues whatsoever.

We have a way to gauge if the canopy is lifting or bending at all, and so far, no movement. 0.005" would show. Unlike the old installation which was somewhat flexible. So, great success up to this point.

The roll rates with the new wingtips remain the same. No change in stall behavior, though we will do a bit more stall testing to verify numbers in different configurations.

Nothing to report on the strakes other than that they tufted ok.

The scoop does not cool as well in slow climbs, but it's easily managed with speed, power and, if necessary, dooor/spraybar. There's enough airflow to cool on the ground as well.

Time and weather permitting, we'll go for high speed/high G tomorrow. Otherwise it'll have to wait until after this airshow weekend!

Backseat? Well... Let me just say this. There will be no provisions for a back seat during the races. The extended canopy is built for a different reason. It's to take all of you along by means of a really fancy HD camera mount. You will all get to see the course in a way that has never before been captured on film...

Any chance that camera will be tied in with the Breitling jumbo trons?

[Thom Richard]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Any chance that camera will be tied in with the Breitling jumbo trons?

I can't promise that, but we are working on that possibility. It's very difficult to broadcast an HD signal. All I can give you is a big "maybe".

[supercub]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

I've never had a favorite at Reno, I've pulled for everyone........that has changed, I'm pulling for PM.......why?.....because he shares more with us bleacher seaters then anyone else I've seen.........and now a mod so we can have a not before seen perspective of the course........WOW.........thanks Thom
Brian
PS: Personally, I don't care about a back seat ride, but would love to get some stick time Always fun to dream

[Sky Critter]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Thom, all I can say is YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!

PM has always been one of my favorites. Now, its THE favorite.

[flyingjibus]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

I've never had a favorite at Reno, I've pulled for everyone........that has changed, I'm pulling for PM.......why?.....because he shares more with us bleacher seaters then anyone else I've seen.........and now a mod so we can have a not before seen perspective of the course........WOW.........thanks Thom
Brian
PS: Personally, I don't care about a back seat ride, but would love to get some stick time Always fun to dream

Thom came up to section 3 last year. Easily one of the most approachable and genuinely thrilled to be amongst the fans pilots I have ever encountered.

Come back and say hello again this year Thom!

[supercub]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Thom, was just curious, was it ever determined why the gear door failed last year?
Brian

[Reever]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Thom,

Has the new canopy improved visibility?

Steve

[Race5]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Thom, was just curious, was it ever determined why the gear door failed last year?
Brian

From whet the crew said after it happened a detent spring that holds the door latch broke causing it to open. Once Thom put the power up it ripped off the airframe down the chute.

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

From whet the crew said after it happened a detent spring that holds the door latch broke causing it to open. Once Thom put the power up it ripped off the airframe down the chute.

Broken up lock spring.

[Idaho_cowpony]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Am very anxious to hear how the improvements are testing out? I would suspect that the wing changes alone will provide ample notice on the speeds... Certainly one of the biggest improvements that can be made for aerodynamic efficiency.

I'm going to through out a guess on TAS around 5k:

'88 - 485mph
'12 - 525mph
'13 - 540-550?


I guess time will tell... Best of luck with the testing program guys!

- Joseph

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Quiet in here..... way too quiet....

[Idaho_cowpony]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

My thoughts exactly Wayne!

[Thom Richard]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Quiet in here..... way too quiet....

Sorry, weather hit Thursday. Next flying opportunity won't be until after this AirShow weekend. Then we'll bring some Griffon inspired noise!

I can report engine parts are starting to arrive. It'll be an interesting build...

[Big_Jim]

Re: Precious Metal Flight Testing

Sorry, weather hit Thursday. Next flying opportunity won't be until after this AirShow weekend. Then we'll bring some Griffon inspired noise!

I can report engine parts are starting to arrive. It'll be an interesting build...

Man....Nixon really outdid himself this year!