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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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The discussion of bird strikes has been interesting. For my one time
encounter, so far, the bird did not dive; it lurched up. Luckily, I dove
and turned. Now, this happened in a Skyhawk and perhaps these birds react
differently to predators (hawks) than they do to regular planes but I am
faced with the concern that it will probably happen again. This
discussion thread has gotten me to thinking. So what to do?
My plan is to mount twin bird-shot-machine-guns in my LIVp. Now I know
that this is probably politically incorrect but I would rather have ample
protection and live to tell about it.
By the time I am ready to build, I expect Sierra systems will have a
computer controlled sensing device coupled to the TCAD that will interpret
the bird's signature so as eliminate all other encounters and potential
collateral fire damage. I would not want to shoot down unsuspecting Piper
Cubs and others of that kind which dawdle along at the same speeds as these
pesky birds like to fly. Should not be too difficult for Sierra to do the
programming especially for the flight levels; Piper levels might prove a
bit of a challenge but then again, I suppose that is what insurance is for,
if we can get it (Brent, any ideas about self insuring for this one?). In
any event, picture this accessory as being almost automatic since I will
not be able to see the bird until the last few seconds whereas the computer
has the capability of instantaneously calculating range, azimuth and speed-
all the components needed to fire effectively and timely.
Now the problem that I am faced with is where to mount the twin guns. Do
you knowledgeable builders/hunters/pilots think a fuselage mount is
preferable to wing mounts. I believe there is still information out there
that could show me how to synchronize the timing of the shots through the
propellor but I am concerned that the info is only good for a two bladed
prop. How do I convert it when using a three bladed one or for that
matter a four bladed prop?
Would it be better to wing mount them? If so, what will it do to my
cruise speed and Jim Frantz, what will it do for my stall speed (if you
have already anticipated this solution, could you please tell us if there
an extra accessory for the Angle of Attack or does it need special
programming as well; is there a sport model or only the full featured
one)? For that matter, can your Annunciator be configured to warn of a
jam or other malfunction in the guns? If so where do I mount the sensors?
Maybe there will be a not-to-exceed firing speed, which will require the
need to have instantaneous speed brakes in order to slow to Vfiring
speed. Bill Maddox has probably already thought this one out to add to
his already superb speed brakes product and if you could, Bill, please
comment on the number of static wicks each gun will need as well.
Of course, Lance needs to provide additional input to address shot-shell
induced flutter and vibration concerns, the proper post curing temperatures
for the intended additional hardware (we do not want those barrels sagging)
and the increased factory-approved gross weight limits (shot shells weigh a
lot and I want to carry the maximum on each flight in case I run into more
than one bird). Also, could you give us a rough time frame for the fast
build option for the gun mounts and an approximate cost expectation?
Also, which division do we order it from?
Speaking of shot shells, does anybody out there know whether I will be
forced to use steel shot or will traditional lead shot be acceptable for
these birds? Will the FAA require certificated shot shells for use in
IMC; remember my IVp will be IFR certified. Or do the birds not fly in
IFR conditions thereby eliminating the need for special IMC ammo?
And for that matter, what are the "\" codes for the flight plans? Or the
procedures for having the plane approved for flight into known birdying
conditions? Also, what about the placarding requirements?
Gee, this gets really complicated and detailed, doesn't it? Maybe I
should just apply for a government job instead; they all seem to think
along these lines and I might fit in real well.
Just wondering.
Harry League
> >>
> Returning from CA over Southern portion of Central Oregon Wednesday. A
> black dot went past off our right wing. FL220, 260 knots. Clueless
> what it was and no time to avoid.
>
> Carl Cadwell, N25CL, IVP
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