Thunderbird mk iv vs mk ii

[Kalahari pilot]

What is the difference between the 2 crafts?

Is it only the powerplant that differs or are there other differences? Except for instumentation?

New to flying so would appreciate your help.

[Le Pou]

Hi Kalahari Pilot,
Speak to Trevor Davies at 082 four42 three925, he designed and built them (Davies Aircraft Corporation). Also look at his website http://www.tde.co.za

[Kalahari pilot]

Thanks Le Pou

Will give him a call.

[Luan]

When you get the info please report back here... I am also interested in knowing. When asking around about a thunderbird the first thing that is said is "drag-bucket". But that does not say anything, what is the glide ratio? The thunderbird looks a lot like the bantam to me, from the pictures anyways, and I once saw a video from aunty Sue gliding a bantam that was quite impressive.

[Kalahari pilot]

Hi all

Ive calles with no answer and texted with no answer.
The website is also unknown.404

So no info available.

[Le Pou]

Hi Kalahari Pilot
That is the correct phone number I gave you for Trevor (0824423925), I spoke to him this morning and he told me that the differences go beyond just the engine change. The MK IV has the 912 engine but you need to speak to him yourself to get the detail.
Apparently the MKII and the MKV are the same aircraft except for the engines, both 2-strokes. The MKIV and MKVI have 4-stroke engines and required modifications to the structure.

[Kalahari pilot]

Thanx for the reply..

[JJJ]

The 912 is a heavier engine therefor it has a longer tail boom. The engine is also mounted closer to the wings. in other words the boom is shorter in front.

[Blue Max]

There is a lot to be said about the Thunderbird.!
Perhaps you should rather get the opinion of those who has flown them for a number of hours.
THEY will be the best reference.
My personal opinion is based on only 80 hrs.

[Scorpio]

`n damn lekker aerie...jy moet net nie haastig wees. hy vlieg vanself, jy moet net die throttle handle..
i have one, also flies my friend`s. sal hom nooit verkoop nie!

[Luan]

Dis nice om te hoor van mense wat weet. Wat is die cruise spoed? Hoe klim hy met n' 582 in gauteng op MAUW? My vriend wou een koop met n' 618, en hy is redelik skraal, met die toets vlug kon hulle nie mooi die bome aan die einde van die runway oor kom nie.

[Scorpio]

Met `n 618 net lekkerder! Myne het `n 582, ek weeg 115kg en my buddie so 105kg.
Ons runway is 2800ft asl en hy sukkel nie baie om op te kom, so 100m rol om die krag drade op die einde te clear.
Wens myne was `n 618