Bush Gear

[catz631]

Well that picture came through. I have more if anyone is interested. To continue, by using this gear not only do I have excellent ground handling but the gear is 4 lbs lighter than the original and 15 lbs lighter than the Grove gear (cheaper too) and no bungees to change ! My aircraft appears to cruise about 3-4 mph slower ( IAS) due to the additional drag but it is worth it to me !
With the standard narrow gear my aircraft always wanted to wheel land rather than 3 point. I had to force the tail down. With this gear it assumes the position and 3 points are much easier (I don't know why) Stability on final approach also feels better. Perhaps the wheels being further out are acting like outriggers on a canoe.
I now have the classic "Monocoupe" look that I like and better handling to boot!
Dick Maddux
Fox4-1200
Rotax 912 UL
Pensacola,Fl

[Mnflyer]

Hi Dick that's a good looking Kitfox and I like the bush gear glad you posted over here. I would suspect that the cobane struts and bungee springs are whats causing the slight loss of AS are you thinking of fairing over the springs?

[catz631]

I have a little additional drag ,due to the cabane strut and springs I would imagine. It is still windy here so I have not been able to get a good stable IAS. I am guessing it is 2-3 mph slower. But again with fat tires and a bush gear ,no big deal. It is a little taller than the original but I cannot give you a figure as I did not measure prior to installation.I know I have to stretch a little more to reach the fuel caps(I am a short guy)
The aircraft is now a much better 3 pointer ! With the old gear it always wanted to wheel land. I did some pretty good ones!
In a nutshell ,you could not pay me twice what I paid for this bush gear to reinstall the old one ! It handles so nice on the ground and on landing !
It was not that expensive compared to the optional gears available (in fact a whole lot less) and it looks sooo good !
Dick Maddux

[catz631]

Lowell suggested the same thing. I think that is the answer. I have landed about 10 times now with this new gear and in every case it has done a nice 3 point landing with no tendency to want to acquire the wheel landing attitude. It would make sense that the gear legs and fat tires so close together might very well disturb the air flow to the elevator. I think you guys have nailed it ! Thanks !!
Dick