The tailslide was unintentional. The goal for that maneuver had been to demonstrate the minimum entry speed for a loop and included a build-up to that maneuver (13:41 in the video). When the airplane stalled on the upline I knew I was in trouble, the plan had been to use a hammerhead to recover...it sort of worked. Important note: a T-18 has no uplock on the flaps, so if the airplane goes to negative G there is the risk that the flaps will deploy uncommanded and damage the airplane.
This the last flight of the JellyBeanThorp program included a dive to VNE (never exceed speed or redline), a wind-up turn to the published maximum G for this weight, and finally a minimum entry speed exploration for loops and rolls.
Likely the highest risk flight of the program it was also tons of fun. Super stoked to have been able to fly this famous Thorp, let alone take it to the corners. It's always a bit bittersweet when a program wraps up and you have to give the airplane back to the owner...and I can admit this one hurt more than most.
1:15 - Fueling Montage
2:17 - Flight Introduction (Speaking)
3:53 - Dive to VNE w/stick wraps (w/ speaking introduction)
7:54 - Wind Up Turn to Max G (w/ speaking introduction)
11:00 - Roll Minimum Entry Speed Demo (w/ speaking introduction)
13:41 - Loop Minimum Entry Speed Demo (w/ speaking introduction)
17:42 - Tail Slide (w/ speaking introduction)
20:59 - Post Flight Inspection / Cockpit Notes (Speaking)
22:04 - Landing Montage
The RU-vid coverage (see JellyBeanThorp playlist) of this program only includes the more visually interesting testing. The full report (linked below) discusses the rest of the testing that was done.
The JellyBeanThorp program report is available here: docs.google.co...
A big thank you to our sponsor Butler Parachute (www.butlerpara.... My HX-400, highspeed opening, emergency parachute gives me the confidence I need to do this kind of high-risk flight test. Butler is the best in the business and we appreciate their support.
Wasabi Flight Test Website
wasabiaero.com/
Elliot's first flight in the airplane
• JellyBeanThorp Familia...
Pitot static baseline flight
• Pitot/Static Baseline ...
Trailing cone flight one
• The Cone - Airspeed Ca...
2nd trailing cone flight
• Trailing Cone w/ a cro...
Aft CG Flight
• Aft CG Testing - Jelly...
Thank you for reading all this.
airplanes are cool
#airplanesarecool #flighttest #testpilot #flying #avgeek #taildragger #experimentalaircraft #flight #Pilot #thorpT18 #homebuiltaircraft #aerobatics #divetesting #aviation #highfive
17 сен 2024
