Are you planning to keep the forward nose mounted radiator on the final production version? I'm hopeful you can engineer a solution that would allow you to eliminate that configuration. The less hose and pipes going the length of the aircraft seems more ideal. All the best, Mo-
Do you have any concerns about the long term durability of the Audi V6 TDi engine? In cars I think many of the newer Audi engines seem to be infamous for problems. Scotty Kilmer, the famous car mechanic, calls Audis "endless money pits". That thermostat also looks quite plasticky and just the kind of thing that might get hard and brittle with a few years of use.
I have no opinion about the radio communication removal or not (maybe the audio level is saturated a bit) but what about the expression "you know" that you are using so often ? Am I the only one to notice ? I end up thinking "OK, what do you wanna say ? Shoot !" and feeling sorry about it...
Just a thought. But what about using a two radiator set up. Both used during climb and other high load/high temp situations. Selectable maybe with a thermostat to single radiator loop when it's not needed. That would also give you some redundancy in the unlikely event of a radiator casualty.
Enjoying seeing the progress of the Raptor. I was wondering if there was a point of difference between this beautiful aircraft and other canard aircraft on the market? Happy if you leave the atc coms in. Thanks ;)
Great work and one more vote for leaving the Comms in the videos. As a LOW priority observation/suggestion for production (I am enthusiastically awaiting that day!) addressing of the air inlet panel bonding/flapping issue. You probably have the solution already handled but is it possible or beneficial to have the inlet flap dovetail under the trailing body edge instead of over the body edge? That should provide a stronger bonding surface. I don't know how the pieces are fitted so understand that this suggestion is made in ignorance of how all the pieces align. Great work and perseverance
With regard to the Piper pitot/static blade, look at a typical Piper p/s line drawing. You'll noticed that there are a couple of drain valves that are installed on the inside of the cabin, normally next to the normal PIC (left) seat. The purpose apparently (ICBW) is to break any vacuum in the p/s system and allow water to drain out. You'll likely want to include those drains in your p/s system.
Please leave the comms in! It's part of flying. Editing videos is not your primary concern. Just making the videos in the first place is a gift to us. And we appreciate it. Thank you so much, Peter.
Hey Peter have you ever considered to change the top scoop to a Formula 1 type of scoop shape and leave it fixed instead of moveable? Maybe a belly scoop into the oil radiator would also help. I also always see quite a big difference between the pitch angle of the aircraft and the real climb vector. There seems to be a difference of about 5 degrees. why is that? Does the foreplane not generate enough lift?
Have you done any research to see if this is essentially the same engine Audi used in their Le Mans prototype race cars. If this is the same engine, maybe they would share some information. Not knowing their liability laws, I might not volunteer the aircraft usage. Although, I wouldn't lie if asked either.
It's a "kissing cousin" of the Le Mans engine, but I very much doubt they would share much if anything of use. Not due to liability but down to the proprietary information that may be rolled into future production engines.
Peter, I would like to ask, was the AUDI Multitronic CVT, which has been fitted to the 3.0 litre TDI engine, ever considered during the design or build stage. As I understand it, you could run the TDI at idle, and still have 2500 rpm on the prop. Could it fit between the engine and re-drive?
It seems like pressurized aircraft have more involved issues with pitot static systems due to the portion in the pressurized vessel, as well as the exterior factors. Moveable Cowl Flaps, may become a consideration as you examine further cooling enhancements. Thanks for sharing the adventure.
Whilst holding short of the runway I noticed the Garmin altitude was reading 240 feet. Is this set to show mean above sea level, rather than the mean above ground level ?
Those numbers look great from the oil and coolant temps, to the climb and cruise speeds. My only suggestion would be a good inspection of the control systems to make sure evrythings still holding in place. The rudder controls come to mind. Remember the old ones broke, and we doubled up on the new ones. Would check the pully mounting points attached to the carbon frame with epoxy. And would make sure the cables haven't developed any slack anywhere. Looks to be just about dialed in mechanically. Lets see a full power climb! As if 135kt climb speed at 500fpm wasn't good enough. Lol
When you get this thing dialed in and cruising at 180 kts give me a shout. I'll buy one and demo it out. I'm a good partner with an 18,000,000 net worth and climbing. Since we are partners now we need to work on the speed. My peeps need to get from manassas Airport to Ormond Beach in 2.5 hours. Thanks boss.
I'm really looking forward to the final product. It's still a long ways away but this is promising. As weight is shed, we can expect a faster cruise, quicker climbs, probably better temps from a decreased AoA and increased airspeed, lower stall/landing/takeoff speed, etc. I'm really excited to see what it'll do when all is said and done.
i'm very much looking forward to your first long(er) distance / cross country flight, and i'm certain you are as well. Have you a destination in mind yet ? Cheers !
Hi Peter, this is really good progress. Now that the thermostat is sorted do you think it might be time to give it a test without the front coolant tanks/ loop? I think that they have been giving a quick drop in temps but when the whole system is up to temp the radiator has to try to cool down a much larger volume of coolant. Anyway that's my 2 cents. Looking forward to the next flight.
amazing machine peter. simply amazing. I'm really curious to see her at 80% throttle at 20k feet. hoping for that 250mph mark ya know? awesome. exciting. anyway, great progress. lots of luck on the testing.
@Shawn Huffman oh, I'm fully aware the chances of this making it to FL200 are pretty much zero. Just pointing out the IAS to TAS relationship for the poster.
Since every Tom Dick and Harry is pushing polls at the moment, It would be nice to know whether ATC radio on or off in the videos. Me : Commentary and the planes engine noise is about right.
I watched the video on tv and grabbed the iPad just to see if anyone gave this a thumbs down. 6 thumbs down. Care to explain this “Debbie Downers”. Can’t even attempt to understand a thumbs down for any of these videos. Why do they keep coming back if they don’t like these videos?
I like all coms. It gives context to what is happening. Please just leave it. Why make yourself more work? The ones who don't like it can play Spotify. Thank you for all these videos.
