On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 10:04:00 -0800
Jim Weir wrote:

Except that...

The S2F/T is possibly the best designed retardant delivery platform that we have
ever known, and nobody around here that flies them can suggest any improvements
on the design. The S2 was a Grumman 1950s sub chaser that was converted to
turbine power a few years ago and is damn near bulletproof.

Not familiar with that plane, will have to look into it. Are there many left?
Where do they fly from?


We had one come home last year with the top two feet of an 8" diameter fir tree
firmly imbedded in the port wing outboard of the nacelle. It took the skin back
to the forward spar, which snapped it off like a twig. Two days later it was

That takes some doing, 8" fir trees are pretty sturdy.

back on the line after a little tinbending repair.

Now what would have happened to a composite wing?


Of course, ten years ago we had one try to move a house. They really can't
stand up to that {:-(

Sounds like a bad match.


R. Hubbell


Jim



There has
-been some debate recently on this topic and in a perfect world the planes
-should be designed as retardant delivery platforms from the ground up.
-(no pun intended)

Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com