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Thread: Metal Skinned Fuselage

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Brisbane, QLD
    Posts
    1

    Default Metal Skinned Fuselage

    Hi All,

    Just wondering if anyone has built or seen a Kitfox with metal skins. I'm interested in the possibility, particularly for leaving the aircraft outdoors.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Tumut NSW Australia
    Posts
    51

    Default Re: Metal Skinned Fuselage

    I would not even consider it, just be too heavy! I removed the fabric off a skyfox ( same as kitfox 3) all fabric including paint, fuselage, wings, tail etc, rolled it up and weighed it, just 6.5 kg ( just over 13lb) keep it simple keep it light! Tom

  3. #3
    patrick.hvac's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    104

    Default Re: Metal Skinned Fuselage

    If you wanted to go this route wouldn't you be better off with a Rans S21?
    🇨🇦CANADA
    Flying | SS7 | G3X | Edge 912

  4. #4
    Agfoxflyer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Woodstock, Georgia
    Posts
    159

    Default Re: Metal Skinned Fuselage

    I'm helping my brother build a Rans S21. I wouldn't recommend going that route also. To keep weight down the aluminum is so thin that we have had several dings in the aluminum. Some we could take out with cold-heat process. With fabric unless a sharp object hits it there is little damage normally. My plan has been covered 15 years and very little wear & tear.
    David E.
    Woodstock, Georgia
    N97DE S5 TD Flying

    N97KE RV-9A Sold
    N96KE RV10 Sold
    Rans S21 Helping Brother Build (Selling)
    Vans RV-14A (On Order)

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    LAWRENCE, KS
    Posts
    479

    Default Re: Metal Skinned Fuselage

    I have had both all aluminum, and all fabric planes
    Drop a tool on the all metal plane, and you have a dent, if it's a light sport plane (thin metal)
    Drop it on fabric, it bounced off. Hail, same thing.
    Drop a knife, or anything sharp, you have a hole in the fabric, maybe a big one.
    There is no perfect solutions....pick your poison
    Hope this helps
    Roger

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