CHAPTER 3. Components and Systems

Chapter Summary

Components and systems consist of two primary subassemblies: wing and carriage. The main wing component is the frame, which is composed of the leading edges, keel, crossbar, and control frame. The typical wing frame has lower wires and upper wires with a king post. The strutted version has wing struts and no upper rigging. The frame is designed so the outboard leading edges fl ex, and it also has a control system that allows the keel to move side to side relative to the leading edges for roll control. The sail is designed specifi cally for the frame with battens and leading edge stiffner provide the rigid airfoil shape of the sail.

The carriage is separate from the wing. Different wings can be put on the same carriage at separate times for different types of fl ying (example: large wing is used for fl ying low and slow where a small wing can be used for fl ying fast and long crosscountry missions). As discussed in Chapter 2, Aerodynamics, each wing must be approved by the manufacturer to go on a specifi c carriage.

Main carriage components are the mast, carriage keel, front tube, and engine mount. This structure houses the fl ight deck, powerplant, and landing gear. The carriage structure also houses system components such as the electrical system, ballistic parachute, and fuel tank. The fl ight deck is the heart of the carriage providing pilot systems for communications, navigation, engine/flight/navigation instruments, and electrical controls.

 
 
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