Letov Sluka.
Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2019 11:08 am
My Sluka (now in the SSDR category, was under the LAA ) employs a 90mm thin walled boom tube as the fuselage, at the front of which sits a Rotax 447. Many Sulks are now defunct due to radial cracking emanating from a forward attachment hole for the wing. I dye penetrant tested mine every year for annual inspection and any cracks found meant a write off for the microlight as the boom tube is no longer available. There is a “fix” if no cracks are found and that is to fit a reinforcing tube inside the boom tube. My Sluka is clear of defects and I am about to carry out the remedy. Since the original Sluka is long out of production ( there was a new model advertised but priced double what it ought to be) could the round section tube be replaced by a rectangular one with radiused corners, say, 75mm x 50mm. How much would be in it regarding inflight stresses. Mike Wittaker had a micro design that used square section tube many years ago - seen at a PFA rally.
A rectangular tube would be much more builder friendly for drilling and applying fixtures.
A rectangular tube would be much more builder friendly for drilling and applying fixtures.