| CANOPY |
| The canopy has the final glazing installed. The process is very builder friendly, using flush screws and riv-nuts. Flight tests will reveal if any more of a seal is needed between the roll bar and canopy front frame hoop. The original plan is to have overlapping metal strips. A weight penalty of at least 20 to 30 pounds has been encountered since the canopy glazing is twice as thick as production. We molded the windshield front hold down strip directly on the plane, and this will be the standard procedure for the kit assembly. It is three layers of 9 ounce glass, builders may vary material and layers, and type of resin. |
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| The aft skirt of .060 Lexan appears to seal very well, plans are to include a seal attached to either the Lexan or turtle deck. This piece could be sheet metal, but is actually more forgiving and lighter in Lexan, adding a great view of your 6. |
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| COWLING |
| A cowling has been fitted and all parts are tucked neatly within. We will wait until after flying to see if this is the final form of the cowling. The fit up looks pretty clean, especially at the S-1 with the joggle. |
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| ENGINE TESTS |
| We are conducting engine ground runs, and preliminary results are promising, we have good cooling and power. The set up has the rad and oil cooler at the lower exit points of the cowl. There is an inlet directly in front of the rad, and inlets on either side of the spinner. The lower inlet allows plenty of cooling air over the rad and oil cooler for taxi condition. |
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| AFT COCKPIT CLOSE OUT |
| This is a thermal formed plastic part that will close out the cockpit and forms another 12” of baggage space. The cockpit will be easy to finish out with ultra thin and light fabric covered panels. We plan to try some ideas and eventually offer these solutions as options. |
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| FINAL ASSEMBLY |
| With the conclusion of the engine tests, we will begin final assembly, which means we are pretty certain of flying the plane prior to the end of the month. |
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| PRICING and PARTIAL KITS |
| New pricing for the S-19 kits will be posted soon. Also a more detail listing, and new compilation of partial kits will be published soon. |
| Randy Schlitter |
| CEO RANS Designs Inc. |
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