Sling 4 Around the World

[jpitman]

For those who are interested, the prototype Sling 4 is eventually taking shape under the watchful eye of the directors of The Airplane Factory in the northern quarter of Hangar 7 at Tedderfield. The Sling 4 is a natural extension of the standard 2 seater Sling.

When Mike Blyth and I flew the standard Sling around the world in 2009 we took off to fly the long legs with 450 litres of fuel and 24 hours endurance. Loaded to capacity the aircraft weighed in at 965 kg, 365kg more than the maximum all up weight as it was then planned . Yet we were flying with only a 100hp Rotax 912 ULS engine. At Pilanesberg, with a density altitude of 7 500 feet the engine was effectively only producing approximately 80 hp, yet the take-off roll was only about 450m.

Our experiences flying that aircraft around the world led us to realise that a standard Sling with a slightly larger wing area and a turbocharged engine would produce a fine four seater. Hence we commenced development on the Sling 4 during mid 2010. Essentially a standard Sling with the wingspan increased by 800mm and the fuselage length increased by 550mm, together with a turbocharged engine and constant speed propeller, the development process has proven relatively painless. The new wings and centre spar have been successfully tested for structural integrity and we have done substantial analysis which suggests that the aircraft will perform well.

What’s more, in the tradition of Airplane Factory prototype testing, the team has decided to again fly the aircraft to EAA Airventure Oshkosh and back by circumnavigating the globe. Until yesterday, 27 June 2011, the plan was to complete the trip flying eastwards. Due to time constraints, however, there has now been a change in plan. Mike and Jean d’Assonville (the third shareholder in the business, for those who don’t know,) will fly the prototype 4 seater to Oshkosh, towards the west, leaving from the Virginia Airshow on Saturday 16 July 2011. The route will consist of 5 legs, with landings at Pointe Noire, Dakar (a 24 hour leg over ocean), the Azores and New Foundland. Jean, myself and Tim Parsonson will return from Oshkosh, travelling west, via Canada, Alaska, the Bering Straits, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, the Maldives and Reunion.

A photograph of the route appears below. For a more precise route download the Google Earth placemark file. Also attached are a couple of photos of the 4 seater as of this morning. As they clearly show, there’s quite a bit of building to happen in the next ten days! Nevertheless, we expect to fly the aircraft between 8 and 10 July 2011. Proving flights are planned to include a longish test flight as well as flights at MAUW in preparation for the first 19 hour leg to Pointe Noire. Meanwhile the instrument panel layout has been finalized and flight permissions are being obtained by Michelle Reinhart of Flight Permits CC in Durban. There’s also a photo of the panel with its two sexy MGL Odysseys below.

Please feel free to post any questions you may have, and until we leave we’ll try to provide updates and answers each couple of days. Once we leave there’ll be daily updates and live satellite tracking, care of Dennis Jankelow and Indigosat technology. Developments will also be posted on the Airplane Factory website at www.airplanefactory.co.za.

Adios
James

Sling 4 rendering three quarter view.jpg

Sling 4 rendering side on - no undercarriage.jpg

Sling 4 wings in progres.jpg

Sling 4 LE gas tanks.jpg

Sling 4 rear fuselage.jpg

Sling 4 ATW panel 2.jpg

[leftseat]

Good luck guys, will be watching this one closely.

James please tell my buddy Jean that Andy Graham(Light Flight) sends his greetings.

[Sox]

You go guys - I am in awe of your achievements to date!

[PJL]

... aha another adventure!! Well done chaps and good luck!!

PJL

[JOLO]

Wowwww! Awesome things happening again from team Sling!!!!!!
What motor are we using?

[richard C]

Nice looking aerie (again) !

Good luck !

[Ugly Duckling]

I can only be amazed by you guys

[ZS-ITI]

I visited the 'AirplaneFactory' during the Tedderfield Airshow and was truly impressed. This takes it to different level!!!!
Good luck!

[flysouth]

You are doing some great work here guys! Best of luck!

[ColdFingers]

Absolutely amazing. You guys have my respect.

Now wouldn't it be great if we could have one of these powering this beauty? Or are they not compatible?

[ColdFingers]

OK. Different league me thinks. Smallest Adeptairmotive is 280HP. Sling 4 will have 115HP fitted.

[jimdavis]

These guys are amazing. I was there only a few days ago. Mike and I went flying in the standard Sling and I was blown away by its performance, handling and cabin space.

They told me about their plans for a 4 seater - and now we see it taking shape. They really get stuck in.

The best of luck to you guys.

Keep us in the picture, and let's have lots of photos.

All the very best - you deserve it.

Jim

IMG_4248.JPG

[GL]

They have the amazingly rare ability to never cease to amaze me.

[andrem]

Having fun while doing business: that is an elusive goal that the Sling guys seem to have hit time and again .

And by all accounts a marvellous product - with the 4 seater you suddenly have my attention.

Please tell us about MAUW, fuel consumption and cruise speed.

[Captain Durango]

Well done guys. You certainly get things done. Yet another marvelous example of faith - the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.