Vampire LSA

Per user request, here’s a look at the modifications we made to the fuselage.  We’ve been streamlining the back end of the pod to get clearner airflow for both cooling and drag purposes.  The initial test results have been very favorable.  We’ve seen an increase in cooling efficiency at altitude, as well as faster climb out speeds AND quieter operation.  So far it’s been an all-around winner.  I will post a piture of the modifications on the prototype soon so you can get a perspective of the pod on the airframe.  The picture you see was taken at the composite shop – note the rounded shape on the back that matches up to the prop spinner.

For those of you interested in scheduling demo flight, please send your requests to:

info@sadleraircraft.com

The holiday season has us somewhat limited on available time slots, but we will make all efforts to be available around your schedules.  Of course, the weather is the other variable…  I’ll try to put in a good word there.

Well, we continue to push forward with development on the Vampire.  Of course, mother nature isn’t doing us any favors.  This past week we’ve had temperatures WAY below normal for our region.  Typical winter weather is in the 40’s for us.  This week the low reached single digits.  Everything from frozen pipes to rolling brown-outs have plagued the area as we try to cope with this cold snap.  Brrr.

We’ve made a few small changes as we continue to trim out the Vampire and prepare for SLSA certification.  One notable change was to the nose gear.  We’ve made a move to a simpler nose caster system.  The benefit is a weight savings of several pounds.  We’re now examining the main gear as well.  The suspension is being slightly modified at a similar weight savings of about a pound or two per side…  As you well know, every pound matters in aviation.  And certainly, in the LSA market, every pound saved is a pound of additional payload gained.

We’ve also made some modifications to the fuselage of the plane.  We’ve streamlined the back of the plane and increased the aerodynamic efficiency dramatically.  We literally cut our takeoff distance by about 30%, and increased our climb-out speeds from the 70 mph neighborhood to the 80’s.  Good stuff!

We’ve posted our first flight videos on youtube.  Go to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nbPM23MHRc

and you can see the Vampire in flight!

Many of you have asked about demo-flying a Vampire.  Our engineers have authorized me to schedule flights beginning any time after October 17, 2009.  If you are intestested in a demo flight, for the time being, it means a visit to Oregon.  The nearest commercial airport is EUG.  If you are flying private, we’re at Roseburg Airport KRBG.  It is non-towered, paved, and lit… visit http://www.airnav.com/airport/KRBG for specifics.

Please send us an email to info@sadleraircraft.com and someone will contact you to coordinate all the details.  Contrary to Vampire reputation, we won’t bite.

I’m thrilled to announce that the Vampire has officially been flying…  not just crow hops.   Actual flights in the pattern.  Stability has been excellent.   And we’re seeing climb rates in the 1000+ fpm range so far, and we’re seeing speeds in excess of 130 mph.  Of course, I’m sure folks would like to see some flight video…  which we have.  But I couldn’t wait to post this updates.  I’ll get video on this site and youtube as quickly as possible.  That way everyone can “see” the proof that this project is not only moving forward, but it’s near delivery time.

We’re planning to be at the airport tomorrow morning doing additional testing.  We’ve changed the air intake for the cooling system – our static tests indicate everything is a-okay.  We’ve also swapped out the three-bladed Ivo in favor of a two-blade Warp.  The plan is to have a bunch of additional pictures – and hopefully video – available on the blog ASAP.

Work continues on the Vampire.  We are counter-balancing controlls and beginning the first steps of flutter testing.  Plans are to be flying again a week from Saturday.  We will be taking plenty of pictures and videos and linking to them on this blog.

Looks like we will be testing a 2-blade Warp Drive prop.  This should provide substantial weight savings over the three-blade Ivo that we had paired with the Jabiru 3300.   We will be posting more information about the tests in the coming weeks.

Avweb did a nice little video about the Vampire while at Oshkosh.  You can see it here…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwC25jyXhBM