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I installed Leading Edge Aircraft's TK-5 Air-Oleo shocks on my Lancair 320 in August 1999 (specs at -- http://www.leadingedgeaircraft.com/). I have previously reported on their excellent performance over the "rubber donut" system. That is, once the wheels hit the runway, they stay there. Hard landing don't result in a bounce. There is no more "skittering" on cross-wind landings. I have better control and there seems to be less tire wear.
Additionally, I have not had any degradation of performance in cold weather.
The only problem I had was that, as delivered, the shocks allowed the mains to settle lower than the donuts resulting in a tail-dragger style taxi - I couldn't see over the nose. Of course, the side benefit was that the prop sat higher off the ground.
Recently, I put together a nitrogen bottle, a pressure management valve and a high pressure Schrader valve fitting so I could experiment with the TK-5's.
First, some factoids:
1) Tim says the shocks are filled at 250-300 psi when shipped.
2) He also says the nitrogen filled area is separated from the oil by a sealed piston so that altering the pressure will not cause any oil loss.
3) The experiments were conducted at an aircraft measurement weight of about 1400 lbs and the landing checks were at about 1600 lbs.
4) Most of the landings were conducted in those ugly crosswinds.
5) Measurements were taken from the exposed black area between the collar and the bottom end mounting cap.
A) 350 psi, 1.1 inch static (full extension?). Performance was similar to to rubber donuts. Minor bouncing and skittering, a harder than I was used to.
B) 310 psi, .92 inch static. No flight made, they seemed almost as soft as shipped.
C) 320 psi, .98 inch static. Performance similar to "as shipped". Slightly stiffer ride, but view over the nose is much improved.
I love these things.
Scott Krueger
N92EX
LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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