Carl Babst Raven Taildragger - Finally ATF!!!

[Induna]

Some pics...

[Induna]

Hi,

it is too early to give accurate performance data, but here is an early indication..

Empty mass: 300.9 kg
Stall: 50 mph
Slow cruise: 95 mhp @ 4400rpm (can go up to 5500rpm continiously!!)
Rate of climb: not checked
Temperatures are on the low side so I need to block some of the airflow. (this cowling NACA duct is very efficient)

I have been issued with a proving flight authority of 40 hrs. Between me and Johann we will do extensive testing to determine the best prop setting (note the spinner is not fitted..)

Now it will be building hours (and confidence) with the aerie end learn its handling very well. The autopilot also needs to be optimised, but first getting the first few hours done before fiddling with the AP.

J

[Goose]

Nou kort jy net n mooi stel RV spats om daai beauty af te rond

As jy hom volgende naweek nylstroom tailwheel fly-inn toe bring het jy al baie ure af gevlie as jy weer by die huis kom

Goose

[Induna]

Nou kort jy net n mooi stel RV spats om daai beauty af te rond

As jy hom volgende naweek nylstroom tailwheel fly-inn toe bring het jy al baie ure af gevlie as jy weer by die huis kom

Goose

Nou daai klink na n goeie idee...!!

Ek is nog in twee minds oor spats, maar wat se julle?? Sal spats pas by hierdie aerie?

J

[Keep them level]

And I had the pleasure of being present at FASD when ZU-INJ became a 100% flying machine!!
To witness Jacques' face the moment her wheels lifted off RWY 20 was a moment to behold. Well done Jacques!!! I wish you and INJ many, many safe flying hrs.

[Keep them level]

As far as spats are concerned, you know I prefer having them on. It "cleans" up the shape. Besides my Raven that has spats on, I have no knowledge of another. It does help with fuel economy. Every bit of "cleaning up" an aircraft helps.
Do some photoshop spat trials.
Enjoy

[Goose]

Nou kort jy net n mooi stel RV spats om daai beauty af te rond

As jy hom volgende naweek nylstroom tailwheel fly-inn toe bring het jy al baie ure af gevlie as jy weer by die huis kom

Goose

Nou daai klink na n goeie idee...!!

Ek is nog in twee minds oor spats, maar wat se julle?? Sal spats pas by hierdie aerie?

J

Spats en leg fearings sal mooi afrond en help om drag weg te neem.

[AndyCAP]

Congrats Jacques!! This is really one of the nicest ravens around. The taildragger gear makes a huge difference! . Spats will look nice but perhaps are not very practical if you are going to fly into grass/ dirt strips.

Question: the stall speed seems quite high? Or was this jut the initial indication? Is it not possible the ASI is overreading? Good luck with the testing!

[Induna]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the compliment..! Yes, it is only the first indication and a whole series of tests will be done to determine that everything is operating as it should. I am also expecting a slight increase in the stall, as she is a little bit heavier than the tri gear Raven.

I will post more info when flying continuous this coming week...

J

[Induna]

Hi all.

We did some flight testing today and results look very promising! Testing conditions were full fuel, one pilot.

Rate of climb @ WOT: 1100 fpm
IAS @ 4400 rpm: 95 mph
IAS @ 5000 rpm: 118 mph
IAS @ 5500 rpm: 132 mph
Stall: 52 mph

Blanked part of the oil cooler, now all temps well within specs. I am very pleased with the figures and will continue testing as I fly off the proving flight hours.

I might increase the prop pitch slightly as the revs go up to 5700 rpm @ 70 mph climbing. Also, landing the Raven 3-point she is a breeze to control. Also had a 7mph 90deg cross wind today at some stage and she handles it very well..

J

[JvTonder]

Baie geluk Jacques!!

Moet sê die stert wiel Raven lyk darem baie beter en mooier as die neus wiel, vele gelukkige vlieg ure.

[German]

[Induna]

I took advantage of the good weather today and did about six short flights. Total time now on 6.6 hours since saturday..!

The aircraft lands on rails and it is a pleasure flying this baby. I fitted the spinner, but it seems to be a little unbalanced. Any ideas on how to balance a spinner? I see some putty inside the backplate that was maybe for balancing the spinner. Maybe I should remove this first and see what the balace does??

Also tested my new transponder with Langebaanweg Approach. So, now almost all systems have been tested, only the autopilot remaining..

It looks like bad weather for the next three days, so I will update as soon as we get a break in the weather again..

J

[Jean Crous]

Hey Jacques, ek word nie sommer lus vir n ander man se aerie, maar hierdie een van jou laat die lus dik loop
Groete
Jean.

[Induna]

Hey Jacques, ek word nie sommer lus vir n ander man se aerie, maar hierdie een van jou laat die lus dik loop
Groete
Jean.

Self ou maat, die vliegkoors loop hoog!!! Wil graag vir vroulief ook saamvat, maar moet eers die ure af vlieg..

Ek sien uit na my eerste trip Upington toe... Dit gaan n lekker cross country wees...