New look of Raptor

[Sad-Ham]

What would the costs involved be to convert an Aquilla II ?

[Jenya]

What would the costs involved be to convert an Aquilla II ?

To convert Aquila 2 into topless???

[Bugwar]

To convert a raptor to look and fly like the one in your first post

[Jenya]

To convert a raptor to look and fly like the one in your first post

It is not cheap unfortunately:
- new topless wing = R56,000
- Antares type front fairing with dash board, windscreen and "GT like" skirtings = R15,000
- hydraulic brakes for rear wheels = R6,000
- winglets = R7,000

But I am always open for discussion

[Jenya]

To convert a raptor to look and fly like the one in your first post

Sorry, I forgot electric trimmer
- R6,000 for locally made
- R12,000 for imported

[Sad-Ham]

Yes , Is it possible to do a topless conversion on an Aquilla II wing and if so what would it cost?

[Jenya]

Yes , Is it possible to do a topless conversion on an Aquilla II wing and if so what would it cost?

How old is your wing?

[Sad-Ham]

it a 2006 / 2007

[Jenya]

it a 2006 / 2007

It will cost about R15,000 - 17,000 to convert your wing into topless.
We will still use your existing sail.

[Bugwar]

I am mostly interested in the aditional speed. Can you convert my existing raptor wing or is it a new wing altogether @ fifty odd thousand?

Why are the wingletts so expensive? R7k for 2 pieces of fiberglass or am I missing something?

[Jenya]

I am mostly interested in the aditional speed. Can you convert my existing raptor wing or is it a new wing altogether @ fifty odd thousand?

Why are the wingletts so expensive? R7k for 2 pieces of fiberglass or am I missing something?

We can convert yourRaptor wing to topless for about R15,000 - R17,000.
But you have to realise that it is not only to replace the flying wires for struts. It is much more to change.
We have to install iinside of your existing wing special devices called sproggs which will replace the luff lines.
We have to reinforce or make a new strong keel tube for your wing . It must carry -3G of negative overload (about 1200 kg).
We have to replace all fitting on your A-frame for new ones to be able to swing the wing back when you folding wing into the bag.
We have to replace your control bar for new strong stainless steel control bar, also must carry compression -3G negative overload 1200 kg.
We have to modify the wing sail, make extra opening with ZIPs for sproggs and install special small cross battens.
So it is a bit of work.

Winglets are coming from overseas, from Ukraine. I have to pay there my dealer price EUR410 for set. It is not only 2 pieces of fibreglass.
It is 2 pieces of carbonfibreglass, light and strong, special stainless steel parts to hold winglets on the wing.
I have to bring winglets to RSA, pay all taxes, install winglets to the wing with the right angles, drill the LE tubes , put eyelets on the sail,
Stitch Velcro tapes to the sail.
By the way, I was trying to organise manufacturing those winglets in SA, but all local specialists I tried or gave me very high price for that or made me absolutely shit quality. So after 2 years I gave up, got winglets from Aeros, world famous microaviation manufacturer, and have changed the wing tips on my Stratos TL topless wing to adjust them to the winglets.
Looks like a stupid way, but it works. Now I don't have a problem.
Good looking winglets which are giving few miles of speed and better climbing.

[cornell]

What does the wing lets do

I know to reduce induced drag but does it make such a difference

[Jenya]

What does the wing lets do

I know to reduce induced drag but does it make such a difference

Yes, it does, less drag. So higher speed.
The manufacturer claims 3-4 mph of speed increase. I think it is depend of the wing and undercarriage.
Also because bigger area of the wing creates the lift force the climbing rate must increase.
The same with the stall speed, should be a bit less.

I am planning to make the precise test: to fly the same trike and wing with and without winglets.
I will do it with Winglass 503 trike and Stratos 15TL topless wing next week or 10 days, just waiting for new set of winglets arriving from abroad.

[Bugwar]

We can convert yourRaptor wing to topless for about R15,000 - R17,000.

I think it is a fair price.
What will my cruising speed be with the conversion to topless?

[Jenya]

We can convert yourRaptor wing to topless for about R15,000 - R17,000.

I think it is a fair price.
What will my cruising speed be with the conversion to topless?

What wing do you have? 17 or 16 m2 ?

What speed you cruise now?