Progress on the Skycycle kit
development.
Carlson Aircraft Inc.
This page displays photos of some of the major components for the Skycycle kit project. A few minor changes have been made from the flying prototype (seen in the background of these photos.) However, dimensions taken from an original Corsair tank, prove the replica is very close to the original Piper Skycycle.
The photo at left shows an original disposable Corsair drop tank we obtained which had been modified by others with various cutouts for the cockpit area. The two haves are made of sisal fiber, varnished and baked into this shape. A primitive example of composite construction. Note, we assume the strange hole at the top end of this tank is for an original fuel pickup fitting which had been removed. This tank is over fifty years old and is not considered air worthy. It has been used for dimensional information only.
Shown at right is the tank shaped plug to be used in forming new fiberglass fuselage shells dimensioned from the original Corsair tank. Anyone who has worked with fiberglass and made a plug as large as this can appreciate the amount of work required. The male form must be flawless, as any imperfection will be reflected in the female molds made from the plug. The next step is to construct two female molds from this plug to be used as the final forms for laying-up the actual fiberglass shells.
The photo at left shows the plug for the Skycycle fiberglass cowling. The same manufacturing process is involved as described for the fuselage plug but on a smaller scale. Fiberglass components produced from these two plugs will simplify kit construction.
Kits will have welded steel hoops and framing which reinforce the cockpit area and provide secure attach points for the tail cone which extends to the tail section. Structural integrity is the primary consideration throughout the design. The tail cone is 2024T3 aluminum, rolled and reinforced with aluminum bulkheads. The canopy is molded plexiglass, edge reinforced and includes a slide for easy access to the cockpit area.
© 2000 SKYTEK