Bushbaby Website

[stefan]

Hi Guys, just a reminder that all SB''s and other technical info is available on our website. We have also compiled a file that will assist you with build number applications. Inspection checlists for AP's and also the MPI checlists are on the site. Please do not hesitate to contact us with quiries.
www.saplanes.co.za
mail : info @ saplanes.co.za

[stefan]

Hi Tube,
there are quite a number of differences firstly the Safari is a PPL aeroplane with an all up weight of 750kg and an empty weight of arround 320-340kg. It is 4inches higher and wider than the Explorer and the Fuselage has been extented with 17 inches to the rear and 2inch at the firewall. The Safiri has a min engine requirement of 100hp and a max of 130hp. We do not have performance figures as yet, this aeroplane is still ungoing type certification but the first model will fly within the next couple of weeks.
The Explorer is a LSA plane and currently the all up weight is 550kg but we are busy with testing to up it to 600kg. Empty weight of around 270-300kg. Cruise depending on engine but typically with a 912S will be in the region of 105-110mph
Regards
Stefan

[Nick Dreyer]

Hi Stefan,

My Bushbaby Explorer with a Rotax 912 ULS came out with an empty weight of 329 Kg's. I calculated MAUW to be arround 600Kg's. Does it sound right to you. We have been test flying it keeping record of each flight using the MGL Enigma EFIS blackbox facility.

We are at FASY which is about 5200 ft asl. Once the test have been completed I would like to compare the info to what you have recieved with your tests.

DSC04448e.JPG

Nick

[stefan]

Hi Nick,
at 329 she sounds a bit beefy but within spec's, what extra's have you fitted? Normally the 912's tend to be at 300kg's or below. Do you have a full analogue panel?
Regards
Stefan

[Nick Dreyer]

Hi Stefan,

I fitted a all aluminium baggage compartment. The top section of the doors have thickish aluminium frame to accomodate the rubber fitted window, while the botom has thinner aluminium. The upholstery is all leather with leather pockets on the two doors.

On the instrument panel I have two MGL EFIS's. One an Enigma and the backup a Horizon. There is also an electric trim fitted for the elevator. I also have a header tank fitted.

It was also weighed with oil in the reservoir and included the fire estinghuisher and first aid kit as well as unusable fuel. The seat is a full glassfiber seat with support straps for safety, not the cloth one that is normally used.

I must admit that the paintwork is a bit much and could have added to the weight. On the undercarriage you will notice some carbon fibre covering.

She flies really well. Climb rate at Baragwanath is 700 ft/min. Cruising at 95 mph 4900 rpm fuel flow is 12.7 liter/min.

When the donkey is stopped the Baby also stops very quickly. Stalls at 48 mph, mushes but does not drop a wing.

So far I am very happy. Had a slight problem with a shimmy on the front wheel, but then discovered it was miles to loose.
After we tightened it, it seems to be fine. At 5200 rpm we do notice a little bit of vibration in the aeroplane. Once you go above or below it goes away. Could that perhaps be the wooden prop?

Some photos. Panel without transponder
Regards

Nick

[stefan]

Hi Nick, those glassfiber seats are standard in the Explorer, it's only the old BB that had the sail seats. I see now where all the weight comes from, upholstery. Every gram makes a kilogram, but if she flies well all is well. She looks nice, Enjoy your plane. Mail me some pic's and your serial no, I would like to update your file. If you profile those struts you will get another 10mph in the cruise.
Regards
Stefan

[Nick Dreyer]

Hi Stefan,

The serial number is 123 - 04 - 07. Kit was delivered to me on the 19th April 2007. I have photograhs of the whole construction process even of the AOA construction on the left wing and the panel. The AOA works quite well. Needs a little programming on the Enigma.

Must I use the Kitplanes e-mail address?

Yes you are right. Every gram becomes a kilogram.

Regards

Nick

[stefan]

Sorry mail is info at saplanes.co.za . Please send me some pic's of that AOA installation.
Thanks
Stefan

[Boet]

Lift strut fairings. Dit weeg, maar dit laat vinniger BEweeg.

[Nick Dreyer]

Boet,

Hoeveel ekstra gewig maak die hout en aluminium? Ek is nogal allergies vir nog meer gewig.

Ek moet se dit lyk baie mooi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Groete

Nick

[Boet]

Nick, die stukkies ally weeg omtrent niks, maar die hout en veselglas sit n paar kilos by. Dit maak die lift-struts BAIE stywer. Ek kan leef met die ekstra spoed. Build them light and they will fly right. Hou nie daarvan om digitaal en steam te meng nie. As die digitaal te onbetroubaar is om op sy eie te funksioneer, het dit nie plek in my errie nie. OF digitaal, OF steam. NIE altwee nie. Geen argument. die is in elk geval n sport vliegtuig, en ek wil sit en kyk hoe die wereld onder my verbyskuif, nie n klomp metertjies" sit en dophou nie.

[Nick Dreyer]

Hi Boet,

Stem saam. Ek wil ook om my rond kyk en die pragtige land onder my bewonder. Jy is baie gelukkig veral as die blomme in Namakwaland blom.

[MYR]

Hello Stefan,
Do BBE have free castoring tailwheels or can't they move more than some degrees ? (how many ?) Are the castors connected via the rudder pedals with cables ?
Cheers.

[stefan]

Hi Laurent,
The factory tailwheel you will be getting is semy free castoring meaning it is steerable but when you turn past the maximum rate of the rudder movement the tailwheel brakes away and it become free moving until it is turned back to the forward direction of travel, when it locks again. This makes it very easy to handle the aircraft on the ground especially when you want to push it backwards. You now do not have to pick the tail up.

[Skimmer]

Have just installed one of the new unlocking tailwheels but am a bit suspicious of it. Occasionally I have have had to use 'full boot' during the rollout (probably around 25 mph) and I am worried if the tailwheel then lets go that you loose the wheel authority for straightening up. Any comments from unlocking tailwheel manne??