Re: BRS KF7 Mounting Ideas
Hi Jared,
No Photos (I have not installed a chute); however, I am relatively certain that BRS has studied the application for the S7 and, if it were me, I would stick with their engineering. Be aware that BRS did make units for early Kitfoxes which I believe enables them to have a pretty good understanding of fitting the unit to a kitfox - the fuselage design of a kitfox which affects mounting the rocket isn't all that different from early to recent.
If you are going to install it, I would put it exactly where BRS says to put it and just bite the bullet on the weight & figure out the balance.
Is your plane certified for 1550 on it's special airworthiness cert? - if so, you should have pretty good capacity to add the chute. I do not have a BRS unit; however, in spite of the fact that our S7, due to equipment on board, is 860# on the EW - I find that I can load myself, an adult passenger, full fuel and still have 140# for the baggage bay within W/B limitations.
I am certain that you could approach BRS and get the additional details you need for the installation; and, I would certainly suggest BRS, with their role in engineering and manufacturing, would be the best source for best installation information.:)
Sincerely,
Re: BRS KF7 Mounting Ideas
Thanks Dave,
Its the road I am currently traveling. I will post my install so there will finally be some pertinent data on the subject.
I hope I have some baggage capacity after the fact. Yes I am 1550 GW.
Re: BRS KF7 Mounting Ideas
Jared,
With the 1550, you likely have considerably more flexibility than if it were at 1320.
I think your decision to go with the BRS; although most do not have it, has been a question a number of buiders have considered so the experience you gain in doing this will certainly be of interest to others.
I have had the opportunity to visit with the BRS folks as they are local to where I live & fly; and, they have done presentations at our local EAA chapter meetings. Listening to Boris share his story of surviving a structural failure without a chute, where the luck of being over water was apparently the only hope; and, that being the genesis for his interest in seeing this technology develope is pretty compelling.
No question the hardware takes up space and adds weight. In your quest for a better location for the rocket to deal with the W/B I would consider quizzing BRS and seeing if they feel there would be better location that would not compromize functioning of the unit.
Take care,
Re: BRS KF7 Mounting Ideas
How much does the unit weigh?
Re: BRS KF7 Mounting Ideas
29lbs
Im sure it'll be another couple for mounting and Bridles
Re: BRS KF7 Mounting Ideas
Jared, I found this on youtube. It does not show in detail the entire install so it is not a complete guide for a Kitfox.
http://youtu.be/ReQ5Mdn0TDI