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This beautiful plane is one-of-a-kind, customized for high
performance. Originally designed in Poland as a 20.5 meter wingspan
Open Class (unlimited) racer, it offers the following modifications:
- 3 wing configurations: 20.5m factory span, 20.5m + winglets, and
23m extended span.
- 6 water ballast tanks: 2 outboard, 2 inboard, 1 fuselage, 1 tail
tank.
- CG shifter by means of a water pump and the fuse & tail tanks.
- 5-point pilot harness.
- Replogle drag meter (wake rake).
- Closable tow-hook door.
- Dual wheel brake actuator.
- Dual trim actuator.
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Original Polar:
this is from the flight manual for the unmodified plane. "a" assumes
a mass of 427kg for a loading of 30kg/m^2 while "b" assumes a mass
of 580kg for a loading of 40.6kg/m^2.
So, does all this make it heavy? That is relative, because it is a
heavy aeroplane to start with. Empty weight is ca. 1000 lbs. However,
despite its weight, with one good helper, the large bits are assembled
in 10 minutes. With full detail work, the plane can be ready to fly in
1/2 hour.
I will post more pictures as they become available. Thanks to Pat and
Ian for their contributions.
Self portrait, in flight. Self portrait, in flight. Flying over Lake Buchanan. Flying over Lake Buchanan. Flying over Lake Buchanan. Flying over Lake Buchanan. Self portrait, in flight. Contest finish. Short tips with winglets. Contest finish. Short tips with winglets. Contest finish. Short tips with winglets. Contest finish. Short tips with winglets. Contest finish. Short tips with winglets. Big Bird in flight. Long tips. Front fuselage, identical to its standard class counterpart. The view from the wingtip. Preparing things in the cockpit for a flight.
This is one of my natural states. The 2-piece canopy is seen as a disadvantage by some. However, it is quite easy to get used to it. In fact, after 2000 flight hours, you miss it when it's not there. Rather dramatic view with the tip extensions installed. On short final approach. Landing configuration: Full flaps, full spoilers, landing gear down. Stall speed is ca. 35 kts dirty. About to flare. Wing flex is pronounced with spoilers deployed. Start of the landing roll. Flaps are still positive. Seconds later they would be changed to full negative deflection.
Self portrait, in flight.
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