Carbon Fiber Slider Canopy

videobobk · #1 07-10-2005, 06:42 AM

I am the "Guinea Pig" for the new carbon fiber canopy from Gamut Services. We will be installing the first production canopy within the next week or so on our RV-9A. I have set up a page so you can follow along if you are interested. Go to http://www.missionmedia.org/RV-9A.html and click on the Canopy reference.

Basically, this is an out-of-the-box, onto the airframe canopy that is about 10 pounds lighter, stronger and with better visibility than Van's. We are hopeing for 4 hours installation time.

I am acting as factory rep while they finish production details and will have a sample forward portion at Oshkosh. I will have brochures and "Show Discount" coupons and will make arrangements so you can get them. If you aren't going to Osh, contact me. The brochures will be done a day or so after the installation is complete. This is for all 6, 7, and 9 airframes, both nose and taildraggers.

Bob Kelly, 90854

airman · #2 07-10-2005, 09:07 AM

Do you have an idea of what the cost is going to be?

Thanks

videobobk · #3 07-10-2005, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airman

Do you have an idea of what the cost is going to be?

Thanks

Not totally finalized, but somewhere in the mid $3k range, with the added cost (after subtracting what you don't need from Van's) something less than $2,000. Less than $2k added seems like a good value; that's why I went for it.

Bob

rv6builder48138 · #4 07-10-2005, 03:10 PM

Do you anticipate any other advantages? Less time spent on building the canopy? Simpler? Easier/less complex? You mention four hours construction time...what tasks are eliminated? If this saves a substantial amount of time/aggravation in doing a slider, then I guess I'd better start setting aside my $2K! John

gmcjetpilot · #5 07-10-2005, 05:41 PM

Bob:
Having some experience not every RV is the same. Granted with the pre-punch kits the tolerance is better, but there is always some difference, such as the wind-screen bent steel roll bar weldment. How do you adjust it to fit or is not necessary. The prototype sure looks nice. Let us know how it works out. Thanks George

videobobk · #6 07-10-2005, 07:16 PM

Good questions! First, there is nothing to do except take the completed canopy out of the box, drill a few holes in the fuselage, and install everything. It epoxies in place also. The roll bar is already built in. The plexiglas is cut and bonded in place. Yes, there may be some variations in widths of completed airframes, but only in the magnitude of 1/16" here and there. I have seen gaps in aluminum canopies of over 1/4", so this is very insignificant on a well-built plane. It seals differently so this shouldn't be a factor. There are no center braces, either front or overhead. The real big difference is build time. I will know more when we have finished...

Bob Kelly

gmcjetpilot · #7 07-11-2005, 08:10 AM

Thanks for the info, cool keep uses posted. George

Highflight · #8 07-11-2005, 08:45 AM

Wondering if you can clarify a couple of things:

It's described as completely bonding on, and also that the roll bar is "built in". What is the roll bar made of, and how does it, if at all, solidly mount to the frame of the aircraft?
I'm just wondering that if either the roll bar is not mounted to the fuse (solidly), or if it's made of just Kevlar, then how comparable would it be to protect occupants in the event of a tip over (not that that's ever happened before

).

Also, I believe but am not sure that the original canopy is about $1000 of the cost of the finish kit (someone correct me if I'm wrong). So the "premium" for going with this aftermarket canopy (at a cost of $3000) would be $2000 over and above the cost of the finish kit? I'd like to have an accurate figure in order to determine if cost vs. time is a good trade off for me.

videobobk · #9 07-11-2005, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highflight

Wondering if you can clarify a couple of things:

It's described as completely bonding on, and also that the roll bar is "built in". What is the roll bar made of, and how does it, if at all, solidly mount to the frame of the aircraft?
I'm just wondering that if either the roll bar is not mounted to the fuse (solidly), or if it's made of just Kevlar, then how comparable would it be to protect occupants in the event of a tip over (not that that's ever happened before

).

Also, I believe but am not sure that the original canopy is about $1000 of the cost of the finish kit (someone correct me if I'm wrong). So the "premium" for going with this aftermarket canopy (at a cost of $3000) would be $2000 over and above the cost of the finish kit? I'd like to have an accurate figure in order to determine if cost vs. time is a good trade off for me.

The roll bar is both bolted and bonded to the fuselage. It is both barbon fiber and spring steel (don't know the grade.) The post is narrower for better visibility. As to costs, the sub-$2000 added cost is firm, but the exact amount isn't. Pricing isn't fixed as there have been recent changes that haven't been figured in. You have to deduct all the canopy parts; frame, plexi, braces, skirt, roll bar, rails, latch, etc. All that is included. Time is a factor to consider, but also there should be added value to the plane.

Bob Kelly

vlittle · #10 07-11-2005, 08:25 PM

In my experience, there is a considerable variation in the fit of the Van's canopy frame, which is built on a jig. This means that the variation is likely in the fuselage.

I know several people that have had to cut and weld the Van's frame (including me), and others where it fit perfectly.

My concern is that the carbon fiber frame may be like the Van's frame and not fit well in some instances.

It would be advisable to have a way of custom fitting the frame, or I expect there will be problems. I'd be very interested in the results of several installations. If it can be designed for a perfect fit, it will be a great product.

Vern Little RV-9A