First New Cubby Frame . Now ZU-DRO

[ppakotze]

I like the looks of the new nose!

[Bearcat]

Given that ZU-DRO is a new frame, what happened to the original ZU-DRO seen here at Panorama Nov 2014

[Jean Crous]

@ Bearcat, seeing as DRO had damage to the frame it was easier to cut that frame, and change it, and use some of the other parts to make what you now see. The advantage of course is it is still registered
Jean.

[ppakotze]

Is it my imagination or does the new model have longer gear legs, looks like it sits higher above the ground? Can't make out the flaps that were mentioned earlier? What engine options are you using on the next 2 you mentioned earlier?

[Goose1]

Looking good J
Only thing's I can see is the gas lifters will last longer if you turn it around and won't it support the door/window better in flight if its on the forward side of the frame?

Now let's see how it fly's

[Jean Crous]

Yes the gearlegs are 100mm longer.The next two will have a Revmaster and a Rotax engine. Hans ek sal die gaslifts omdraai. The flaps will come a bit later. I have a good friend and a mate of his who are very talented , that are helping me develope the flaps with the hinges. There is quite a science behind all this. The horizontal stabilizer and elevator will also change shape when installing flaps.
Jean.

[Jean Crous]

@Jean:
Congrats Very nice indeed.
What is the empty weight of the bird?

Thanks OkFlyer. The empty weight is 305kg . Of this we trimmed off another 5kg , so now it is 300kg exactly.
Jean.

[Bearcat]

@ Bearcat, seeing as DRO had damage to the frame it was easier to cut that frame, and change it, and use some of the other parts to make what you now see. The advantage of course is it is still registered
Jean.

Thanks for the info ..makes sense

[Pilot Dreamer]

I was never a fan of the cubby, I always thought that the design looked a bit out of proportion. The new model though, is absolutely stunning. Love the stance, love the new cowl design and the shape of the wind screen.

Job well done!!

[HansH2]

Hi Jean,
It looks very good.
Regards
Hans

[Jean Crous]

Hi Jean,
It looks very good.
Regards
Hans

Thanks Hans, I will report here once we have flown her.
Regards
Jean.

[Jean Crous]

This Cubby is to come back to our workshop , the Cubby engine removed, and re-engined with a Rotax 912 S The engine cowls will also be replaced with new ones ....minus the cheecks I will update here as the work progresses.This Cubby flies very nicely balanced from the front seat with the present engine, and should do as well with Mr Rotax up front.
Jean.

[ppakotze]

Photos, we want photos.

[Jean Crous]

Photos, we want photos.

There has been some pressing work that needed all our time...next week we will get DRO to our workshop and start on the Rotax installation.
I Promise to update with regular photos
Jean.

[Jean Crous]

Right, as promised we have collected DRO from my hangar at FASX and she is in our workshop at Barrydale for a re-engine with a Rotax 912S. Attached some photos. As we go along the topic will be updated, and more photos to follow