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  #11  
Old 12-29-2011, 06:57 AM
N733JJ N733JJ is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Wappingers Falls, NY
Posts: 233
Default Two Liter Bomb

A number of years ago I saw an RV-4 with a bomb rack. A simple solenoid release was attached to an inspection plate. The bomb was a two liter soda bottle fitted with fins. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures. No report on accuracy of the system. Perhaps someone here can re-engineer a similar system.

Scott A. Jordan
N733JJ
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  #12  
Old 12-29-2011, 07:26 AM
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DanH DanH is offline
 
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The structure and mechanics for an underwing device isn't too hard. An electrical release would be most convenient. Trick is how to be sure you never have an accidental release. How is that done in military designs?
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  #13  
Old 12-29-2011, 07:47 AM
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Default Dropping objects

Dan, in the military we did have dropped objects, objects that would not fall off but were armed, and switch errors that produced undesirable results. That's with multi-million dollar systems, scientists and engineers, trained arming crews, and a big budget.

In fact, if you want to spice up this thread, let's invite other military types to share the fun times they had!

Me first: On a bombing range when a new major in the unit showed up. He was next to use the targets, so he began to set his switches for his anticipated rockets. Unfortunately, although he was over the range, he accidentally fired rockets off range and set a farm on fire!

Careful all!

Remember:

Sec. 91.15 ? Dropping objects.
No pilot in command of a civil aircraft may allow any object to be dropped from that aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property. However, this section does not prohibit the dropping of any object if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.

Sec. 91.13 ? Careless or reckless operation.
(a) Aircraft operations for the purpose of air navigation. No person may operate an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another.
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Awarded FAA "The Wright Brothers 'Master Pilot' Award"- for 50 years safe flying

RV-6A N680V / RV-10QB N353RV
Luscombe 8E N2423K 50+years
Hatz Biplane N2423Z soon to be birthed
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  #14  
Old 12-29-2011, 08:30 AM
VCMaine VCMaine is offline
 
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Location: Rindge NH
Posts: 52
Default Flour or TP?

It would be sweet just to be able to launch a roll of TP....
I've always wanted to try that exercise. I'm thinking a coffee can size recess in the belly in the baggage comp just behind my seat (RV-3), with an interior slider cover plate operated with a push/pull cable.
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  #15  
Old 12-29-2011, 08:46 AM
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Smile My fellow Vern :)

Regarding the TP: Years ago I used to watch a Luscombe do this very often from a near by location.

The gouge: Start with a new roll, and unroll about 50 feet but hold it all around the roll. Toss it out the window and watch it unfurl to it's 2000-3000' length. Split S thru it and see how many times it could be cut before reaching an unsafe altitude.

Of course, the Luscombe would occasionally land with a length of evidence hung on the tail wheel! Makes it hard to deny what just happened!
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Vern Darley
Awarded FAA "The Wright Brothers 'Master Pilot' Award"- for 50 years safe flying

RV-6A N680V / RV-10QB N353RV
Luscombe 8E N2423K 50+years
Hatz Biplane N2423Z soon to be birthed
Falcon RV Squadron Founder
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Peachtree City, Ga
770 310-7169
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  #16  
Old 12-29-2011, 09:04 AM
WilburD2 WilburD2 is offline
 
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Location: Houston, Tx
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Default Bomb racks

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanH View Post
The structure and mechanics for an underwing device isn't too hard. An electrical release would be most convenient. Trick is how to be sure you never have an accidental release. How is that done in military designs?
There were 2 methods used during my time for bomb rack operation. The older designs used mechanically over-centered spring arms that opened with a huge electrical solenoid.
The newer versions are the impulse cartridge fired racks. The charge when fired physically unlock the rack and the ejector piston kicks the bomb away from the aircraft.

As for controlling the electrical portion of the firing circuit, depending on which aircraft we're discussing, there are several steps the pilot had to accomplish before he could even attempt a release. The one common safety feature all the aircraft I ever worked had, is the landing gear had to be up and locked.
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  #17  
Old 12-29-2011, 09:15 AM
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Mike S Mike S is offline
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vern View Post
Dan, in the military we did have dropped objects,
Isnt that the purpose of much military flying???

Oh, yes, this is about accidentally dropped objects.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vern View Post
That's with multi-million dollar systems, scientists and engineers, trained arming crews, and a big budget.
No wonder you had accidents, with all that help.

We are homebuilders, we can do better
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VAF 909

Rv-10, N210LM.

Flying as of 12/4/2010

Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011

Sold after 240+ wonderful hours of flight.

"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."
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  #18  
Old 12-29-2011, 09:24 AM
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grantcarruthers grantcarruthers is offline
 
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Location: STL/3K6
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Default

I'd go off the fuse, centerline. Secure flour bomb by wrapping in safety wire, drill hole in bottom of fuse, run wire up through hole, secure wire. May want to rivet a reinforcing plate at the hole to support weight and drag of bomb.

Vise grips could secure the wire for simplicity if located near bombardier.

Or, if you're willing to drill the hole larger, tie off a loop in the wire and cotter pin it. Run a line to the cotter pin for remote release if too far from the bombardier.

Seems simple and low tech so cheap and hard to screw up???


Oh, and sounds very fun too. Another benefit of experimentals, we can drill holes randomly in our aircraft just for the fun of it!
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  #19  
Old 12-29-2011, 11:53 AM
RV8R999 RV8R999 is offline
 
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Location: na
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanH View Post
The structure and mechanics for an underwing device isn't too hard. An electrical release would be most convenient. Trick is how to be sure you never have an accidental release. How is that done in military designs?
You wouldn't believe the amount of rigorous training and detailed procedures and inspections which accompany the proper installation, maintenance and loading of ordnance - and the Ordnance Men (Ordies we call them) take great pride in their work.

Each aircraft ordnance delivery system has unique features but in essence they all rely on a series of "fire breaks" or systems which all must function for the cartridge to fire and release the ordnance. Most racks have to be armed externally, then in the cockpit there will most likely be a master arm panel and then a selector for the specific rack and ordnance to be used - some do this in software others via switches. Additionally the launch parameters (airspeed, altitude, and a host of others) for the specific ordnance must be met or a software inhibit will prevent launching the weapon (at least in my former aircraft). Then the Weapon Release switch will have a cover over it. Even with all of that it is still possible to screw it up - it has been done.
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  #20  
Old 12-29-2011, 02:21 PM
KC10Chief KC10Chief is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 44
Default

Whatever you do, go all out! Drop an entire sack of flour!
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