Seagull Ka8b - Engine install and mods

[selleri]

Me and a flying mate have got our hands on two of these and decided we'd fit engines in them for some fun soaring time with our other planes. Also as a tester on those weak lift days on the slope or near the sea...   :roll:

Three meter wingspan.
 

XPower XC3522/5 LS motor.


First order of the day, remove the tow release.


Didn't need much persuasion to leave.


Then we need to get into the nose.


Saw and a router bit in the Dremel made a quick work of that.


And the motor in its place... well almost, now it just needs a firewall.


As a bonus the panel already has an EGT gauge!  :lol:

[Fred]

Do you know that each time someone install a motor in the nose of a glider, a Justin Bieber's Fan dies!...

Oh wait, that's a good thing! Carry on, I though that was a Baby Seal that died...  

[billscottni]

How are you intending to get the prop blades to fold back around that bulbous nose? Might have to consider a cranked yoke for the blades.

[selleri]

Do you know that each time someone install a motor in the nose of a glider, a Justin Bieber's Fan dies!...

Oh wait, that's a good thing! Carry on, I though that was a Baby Seal that died...  

You had me going there!    :lol:

How are you intending to get the prop blades to fold back around that bulbous nose? Might have to consider a cranked yoke for the blades.

Well as it happens...    :wink:



Then things got interesting, first I covered the motor so the magnets wouldn't attract the fallout.


The collar hex just scrolled on my allen keys(both inches and mm) so when heating and various other gentle approaches didn't work the gloves came off! After some drilling and cutting I finally got it off.


New thinner collar, needed to shorten the hex so it could fit inside the motor mount.


5mm rod was used instead of the engine axle.


Marking to ensure I've got room for the prop hub.




Here the firewall has been installed but as the front part of the nose is just fiberglass, glued to the first fuselage former, we need to do a bit more to secure it!

[selleri]

Now to connect the firewall to the fuselage frame. This plate goes behind(in front) of the firewall and holds on to it.


Why the stick is there might also be evident.  


Repeat...


Motor where we want it.


The mustache... just needs the beret! Bill this is a 10mm +2.5° hub and the blade go flat.  

[selleri]

The kit comes with barn door brakes, a la Ka3, but as they aren't particularly effective and the full scale one has Schempp-Hirth I decided to add them to mine.

Don't like these.


Now we're talking.


Under way.


Little bit of covering!
 

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/9fAjmsG3gtM[/youtube]

[selleri]

The motor was started today, seems to have plenty of power even on those small "sample" packs. Can't wait to see it take to the air!

Ah, yes regarding the CG... nahh, just holding down the battery plate while the glue dries.


We need air for the motor.


Speed controller and battery location.


Not too shabby.


Happy birds, my mates plane is now ready for the test flight. I'll learn from his mis... ehmm success!    :lol:

[selleri]

After the artic conditions yesterday today was a welcome change, dead calm, -5°C but the sun was still sleeping, must be hung over! After assembly and range check we put ourself in the hands of GoA. I didn't need to do much more then release the plane on the throw as it wanted to climb as a home sick angel might. The battery used was a Turnigy Nano Tech 3S 1800mah (65-130C).

After it had been flown for a few moments it was obvious that the elevator was a tad from the center and the CG could do with just a hair more to the front. After changing that the plane flew very similiar to the owners 4 meter Ventus and he was very happy with it and continued flying until we ran out of batteries and light.

Ready to go.










Loops and rolls were no problem.








Coming in.










Two happy chaps!  

[billscottni]

Looks lovely in the air. Prop blades make it look like it has a moustache!!

[selleri]

But of course, it's french mon ami!  


Cheers!

[selleri]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/R0LcwUuHPEc[/youtube]

[Happy Days]

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:

She goes up very quickly, Selleri. Obviously has plenty of power and I suppose the cold dense air helps with the production of thrust. And it certainly looked very cold! :shock:  
Guess you guys are hardened to it though. :wink:

That was a good project. Well done and thanks for all the pictures. :clap:

I almost have the urge to start a project myself :?:

Keith

[selleri]

Cheers Keith! I'm wondering if a 4 meter isn't possible on this motor and even a 5 meter on a dolly.  :?:

Bahh, dead calm and -5°C nothing to talk about, the day before(see YT below) was -2°C & 15 m/s and I needed my "artic" gear for that! First snow we see this winter, though the people up north have been playing in the white stuff since August.

brg.,
Sverrir



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/e_iKUCMLMIs[/youtube]

[Fred]

Very nice shots!  :clap:
Ok, is there a boat doing Ireland / Iceland??  :?:
Always wanted to go there, but now that I see that, want to bring some gliders with me!  

[selleri]

It was possible to go via the Shetland islands to Faroe islands and from there to Iceland but now days you'll have to go UK - Denmark - Faroe islands - Iceland (D-F-I leg is http://www.smyrilline.com/).

Be sure to let me know if someone is coming.