> I would like to get some information from anyone who has completed and
> has sucessfully flown a conventional gear (tail dragger) Europa. Any
> advice as to building aspects, supplier sources and performance would be
> appreciated.
> Thanks & regards,
> Jim Gunnlaugson
> Builder #A192
Currently the only commercial TD conversion is the Swiss one: see
http://isuisse.ifrance.com/CCandE/europa.htm
It's quite pricy, but the leg has been well designed (one broke during an
accident, didn't damage the attach structure - just what you want) -
although my belief is that it should be set with a higher deck angle (about
9-10 vs. 6.5) and the attach structure is something of a pain to do.
Handling (ground) is reported to be benign, wt the same as a monowheel, and
performance similar.
I'm in the last throes of designing a taildragger conversion using Tri-gear
main legs attached to a Y structure under the pilots/passengers knees. It's
being specced to certified standards and is being developed with
sophisticated software tools to maximise the strength/minimise the
structure: currently the virtual model of the forward fuselage is complete,
with the basic attach structural elements, and all that needs to be done (!)
is running the programs and refining the lay-ups.... however, having done a
fixed price deal, we are often shuffled to the bottom of the priority list
by the stress engineer, but he's been at it in the last week, so I live in
hope that the number crunching will be complete this year, with the 1st
installation under construction in Jan 02.
It's designer to use all standard parts with the exception of the leg
sockets, and to be easily retrofittable to a flying aircraft. When it's
sorted, plans and the sockets will be offered to the Europa community. It
will look rather like an RV, and the indications are that it won't weigh any
more than a monowheel.
Miles
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