AX-O's Fastback RV-4

AX-O · #1 02-14-2009, 10:00 PM

EDIT: This documet contains additional information regarding RV-4 fastback. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxZ...kbfSWTQKdWy_3Q

picture links:
Firewall

Rudder pedals

Foot wells

Upholstery

Instrument panel

Interior

Landing gear

Canopy

Empennage

Fuselage

Engine

Cowl

Prop

Wiring

Big move

Final setup

A lot of people have asked me to post pictures of my fastback RV-4. So I decided to start a section for my RV.

DR, if this is not appropriate and you would rather have this status under the "RV-4 Status" section, please move accordingly.

I have been working on the fastback portion, canopy frame and canopy all at the same time for the past 3 months. The fastback sheet is not fully trimmed yet. The canopy frame was a standard RV-4 frame that I cut in multiple places, re-welded, modified and banged into shape. The canopy came from Todd and it fits a Rocket. So far it has worked out very well.

Last week I started gluing my canopy to the canopy frame. I used pieces of air hose for the spacers.

The canopy frame was modified to take maximum advantage of the bigger canopy and to improve the field of view. The side tubes were lowered approximately 4 inches. The front bow was cut off and welded to the frame about 6 inches lower. That improoves my forward/side field of view.

AX-O · #2 02-14-2009, 10:16 PM

The canopy was only cut on the back for shape. Nothing was cut off the sides. The front was cut in order to adjust the canopy height. Doing this allowed me to extend the forward portion of the canopy approximately 5 inches.

The canopy latching system was changed to Forward = locked and aft = open.

AX-O · #3 02-14-2009, 10:23 PM

A 25 psi car hood shock was implemented to the canopy frame. It was purchased at a local auto shop. The shock is approximately 9 inches long when closed and 12 inches long opened.

The canopy opens and closes very easy. I may put a strap on the frame as well. The winds get crazy around the Mojave Desert.

AX-O · #4 02-14-2009, 10:32 PM

This is what the canopy looks like. I will try to take pics tomorrow of the plane outside if it does not rain.

DanH · #5 02-14-2009, 10:39 PM

Very cool Axel! Nice to see some creative building going on too. I think it will be a better looking airplane than the fastback 8, nicer lines and the 4's swept gear always did look faster <g>

jferraro17 · #6 02-14-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH

....it will be a better looking airplane than the fastback 8

Blasphemy!!!!!

AX-O · #7 02-15-2009, 10:42 AM

The weather was nice enough to take the RV out. Here are a few pics of it. No work has been done on the coweling nor plenum yet.

AX-O · #8 02-15-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH

Very cool Axel! Nice to see some creative building going on too. I think it will be a better looking airplane than the fastback 8, nicer lines and the 4's swept gear always did look faster <g>

Dan, I hope it does not look much better. I am also building an RV-8 with the Show Planes fastback and coweling. It is on hold until the -4 is flying.

PlaneBuilderBill · #9 02-15-2009, 10:57 AM

Ax,

Your canopy install is really coming along.... hope I've been of some help. I really like the way you lowered the sides (ala Pitts Model 12). Keep up the picture posts.

I have the Show Planes canopy and completed plane promo pictures hanging on my hangar wall...also my next project!!! That is if I can find another job, got laid off in December....bummer.

Anyway, keep up the good work.

AX-O · #10 02-18-2009, 10:53 PM

Bill you have been a big help. I am sorry to hear about your job.