October 2000

UFO or KR? - Oct 2000

First Flight:

The first flight was made on Oct 9. For a copy of the plan download plan.doc (in Word format).

Everything went quite well except for a high CHT reading during climb and cruise. The original cooling air outlet was re-shaped to improve its efficiency.

The modification lowered CHTs to a max 450 deg F in climb and 390 - 410 deg F at cruise.

A blocking plate was fabricated to restrict airflow to the oil cooler air inlet (in the lower cowl). Oil temps were in the 160 deg F range and could be increased safely. The reduced airflow to the lower cowl should increase the pressure differential across the cylinders to further improve cooling.

The first 4 hours have been spent over the airport (in turbo chicken mode) gathering engine data and feeling out the controls. I have connected a tape recorder to my headset to record notes, which I then transcribe into the following format (testreport.xls in Excel format).

I have installed ballast in the tail to move the C of G back. It was right at the forward limit (solo with a full header tank) and I found the elevator trim insufficient.

Preliminary data indicate the following:

 Maximum A/S to date - 150 MPH IAS

Climb - 700 fpm at 90 MPH IAS 900lbs

Cruise - 120 MPH IAS @ 2700RPM 3500 feet

Fuel Cons - 3.1 GPH @ 2700 RPM

Flight Characteristics:

(for information on the exciting new Ballistic Nun/Corgi Freefall projects go to www:nrc.ca)

On the ground the KR handles pretty much like any of the small taildraggers I've flown. Taxiing requires S-turns due to the lack of forward visibility. I'm certain I could drive straight into a 747 without the turns, but on the plus side the Boeing likely wouldn't notice. The tail comes up quickly and the A/C tracks straight. The rudder is effective as soon as the tail comes up but not overly sensitive. Once the tail is up I have been allowing the A/C to accelerate to around 60 MPH prior to pulling it off.

In the air The Gadget is light on the controls, but not unpleasantly so. It flies just like any other A/C. Visibility is excellent, especially in turns.

The first landing was a real squeaker. Unfortunately that one has been my best to date. Strangely enough they have been getting worse the more I do.

The A/C will float for quite a while (especially if you are carrying any extra speed) but this should not be cause for concern unless you are working a shorter field. The thing I found most disconcerting is the "eye to wheel" height. In the three-point attitude in a KR the "EWH" is measured in inches. This takes some getting used to. Anyway, soon I hope to stop thowing the tower controllers into fits of hysterical laughter.

There is an article by Jim Faughn which outlines a good step by step approach to landing the KR. Contact Rand Robinson for a copy.