Monday, July 23, 2012

FAQ’s on Belite’s “UltraCub” and ½ VW Four Stroke engine


Please note: James' blog has moved to a Wordpress site. To access it, please visit http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/. All posts have been transferred to the new site, and all new posts will only be accessible via Wordpress. Thank you for your interest!


FAQ’s on Belite’s “UltraCub” and ½ VW Four Stroke engine
The following information is subject to change without notice


1)                  Q:  What is a Belite UltraCub? 
A:  The Belite UltraCub is an ultralight airplane manufactured by Belite.  One configuration has the following major characteristics: 

a)  4 stroke engine
b)  Traildragger configuration
c)  Rear turtledeck which gives it the appearance of a Piper J3 Cub.
d)  Legal Ultralight under U.S. FAR Part 103

also,

e)      Users may build an UltraCub from a kit from Belite.  The single defining characteristic is the rear TurtleDeck option.

Belite UltraCub with 1/2VW engine
Finally,

f)  The TurtleDeck is available as a build option by Belite for any factory built airplane.

TurtleDeck on Belite UltraCub


2)         Q:   What standard features and benefits does it have?
            A:  They are:

a)      Standard basic instruments:  hour meter/tach, inclinometer, EGT/CHT, Oil pressure warning, Oil temp gauge, ASI.  All other instruments are optional.
b)      spring steel main landing gear, which are much better than bungees, softens landings and taxiing
c)      differential (independent) main gear disc brakes with heel pedals
d)     Single color ( with color selected by owner) Oracal (vinyl) finish over the entire airframe, fuselage, wings and tail feathers.  Very beautiful finishes!
e)      Rear steerable tailwheel with steel tail wheel spring.  In conjunction with brakes, gives easy ground manners.
f)       Aluminum fuselage – riveted construction utilizing mainly 2024T3 longerons; also 7075 and 6061T6 aluminum in critical areas.  Other alloys are also used.
g)      Lightweight 6061T6 aluminum lift struts.
h)      5” Azusa nylon aircraft wheels with 5” wheels
i)        4130 Chromaloy steel landing gear “A” frames
j)        Polycarbonate windshield and sunroof
k)      Easily and quickly foldable wings
l)        Enhanced wing area (40” x 144”)
m)    Enhanced flaperons (12” x 120”), reduces stall speed and improves roll control.
n)      Functional Winglets, increasing lift, reducing vortices, reducing drag, increasing flaperon effectiveness
o)      Intermixed aileron / flap controls, providing standard stick (aileron) and standard flap (flap handle) control with 3 notches of flaps.
p)      Multiple storage compartments under seat
q)      5 gallon plastic fuel tank.
r)       This aircraft does not include an engine cowl.
s)       A hand deployed emergency parachute is included.
t)       The engine has single electronic ignition. 

3)                  Q:  What does an UltraCub cost?
A:  $27,995 + $2.25/mile delivery charge (one way) to any US destination.  Other configurations are available for as little as $16,495.

4)         Q:  What does an UltraCub kit cost?
A:  $7995 (base Belite Kit cost) + $500 (turtledeck kit cost).  This doesn’t include main gear springs or brakes, but it does include solid gear links, and mechanical (drum) brakes are available for $100 extra.  It also doesn’t include a fuel tank, but we buy ours at Walmart for about $12, and you can too.

5)         Q:  What type of construction is used in the fuselage?
A:  It is straightforward aluminum construction.  Most of the gussets have pre-drilled pilot holes, and the rear fuselage is pre-aligned, mostly pre-drilled and ready for you to start riveting.  All main cabin bulkhead formers and gussets are CNC cut and have many pre-drilled pilot holes as well.  The builder has to cut cabin longerons and members, but as these lengths are short, and all formers are square, the resulting assembly process is easy and straightforward.  Aluminum may be cut with a carbide blade table saw, or a band saw, or a hack saw.

6)         Q:  What type of construction is used in the wings?
A:  The wings are built with aluminum spars and CNC cut Baltic Birch ribs.  Everything slips together and is locked in place with Gorilla glue.

Belite wing with aluminum spars, CNC cut  Baltic Birch
7)         Q:  What type of construction is used in the tail feathers?
A:  The purchaser may select between aerodynamic horizontal stabilizer/elevator or pre-welded stabilizer/elevator.  The pre-welded feathers simply need to be covered.  The aerodynamic feathers are easy to build and very straightforward, like a big model airplane wing.

8)         Q:  How is the structure covered?
A:  We use generic Dacron, glued and shrunk to the underlying wing or fuselage structure.  We use a special glue (Hipec) for attachment of fabric to the underside of the wing.  We use Stewart Systems glue for most other fabric work, and we use Oracal vinyl (available in about 80 colors) for covering over the shrunk fabric.  Kit builders may use whatever system they are comfortable with.

9)         Q:  What does an UltraCub weigh?
A:  As built by Belite, with a four stroke engine, and as described in this document, it weighs 278 pounds.  This is the maximum allowed by FAR Part 103.  (Our configuration includes a parachute which is deployed by hand, for which FAR Part 23 provides a 24 pound allowance.) The rear turtledeck is not included in this weighing, as it is removable for flight.  (The rear turtledeck weighs about 7 pounds).  Much lighter weights are possible by using two stroke engines.

10)       Q:  I see that your configuration doesn’t include an engine cowl.  How could I add one?
A:  It is available as an option for $350.  We don’t weigh them as they are removable for flight.

11)       Q:  What other options are available?
A:  Bigger Tires and Carbon Fiber main spars will be popular options.  The Carbon Fiber spars save 9 pounds, which would allow nice big 5.00 x 5 tires.  $2400 total.    Doors and trailering kits are also available.

12)       Q:  Are other instruments available?
A:  We are happy to install any instrument manufactured by Belite Electronics, including Turn Coordinators, fuel gauges, etc.  We do not install other instruments.  We recommend you have other installations (EG, radio) performed by your local instrument shop.

13)       Q:  Does the four stroke engine have electric start?
A:  No.  The 1/2VW are very easy to hand prop, and the electric start option is too heavy for our FAR Part 103 usage.  It would be a great option for aircraft built as ‘experimental’, though.

14)       Q:  What power does the 1/2VW four stroke engine develop?
A:  45HP. 

1/2 VW Engine
15)       Q:  Who is the engine vendor?
A:  Scott Casler, Hummel Engines.   www.hummelengines.com 

16)       Q:  Will other 1/2VW four stroke engines work?
A:  Absolutely.  We recommend at least 37HP.  Great Plains is a good source for plans or a complete kit – see:  http://www.greatplainsas.com/schalfvw.html  And as of this writing, their 1/2VW kit is under $3400. 

An online build manual for 1/2VW engines may be found here: 

17)       Q:  What about the motor mount for a Belite and a half V/W?
A:  We designed it, and it is pretty sweet.  It includes a Chromalloy steel mount and aluminum mount plate.  $300.

Engine Mount for 1/2VW on Belite Ultralight Airplane
18)       Q:  What kind of fuel consumption does the engine have?
A:  We expect fuel economy to be about 2 GPH in cruise.  This number will be verified in August.

19)       Q:  What kind of gasoline does the engine use?
A:  91 Octane automotive.  100LL will work, but be aware of lead fouling issues.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Burgundy Metallic UltraCub

Please note: James' blog has moved to a Wordpress site. To access it, please visit http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/. All posts have been transferred to the new site, and all new posts will only be accessible via Wordpress. Thank you for your interest!


Hey World,

I found a gentleman who was sneaking around our facility earlier today.  He identified himself as "Bob Philips".  After I threatened to call the police, he indicated that he was a private investigator, and was working for an anonymous individual who goes by the initials "C.S.R."

He further told me that he'd been assigned to investigate our rumored developments on a state of the art ultralight aircraft.  I told him that I was, in fact, soon going to share information on such an aircraft with the world, and I could really care less if he was taking spy photos -- if he was leaking information, I was planning to do the same thing, only a few days later.  He gave me a weird look, so I told him to scram, and he left.  Just before he walked out the door, he said:

"I know about the stitches, the thumb, and the scar on your forehead."

I have no idea what he was talking about.

Belite UltraCub (Ultralight Airplane)
Anyway, our upcoming Belite UltraCub (Ultralight Aircraft) has some really cool features:

*folding wings -- our design is improved for better storage and transport
*reduced weight -- allows use of four stroke engine without carbon fiber spars
*increased wing area -- allows for quicker takeoffs and slower landings
*increased flaperon area -- likewise
*winglets -- improves flaperon effectiveness and reduces wing drag
*four stroke engine -- far better fuel economy and great reliability
*rivet construction -- easy construction, no welding involved in kit construction
*low kit and assembled aircraft cost -- we'll have a special OshKosh price, valid until the end of August.
*unbelievably good looking finishing -- using our vinyl color process -- easy and inexpensive.  Our demonstrator ultracub has metallic paint!!
*quick assembly -- as proof, I personally built this demo plane in 'spare time' over the last four months, while doing all my other Belite tasks and working in my computer forensic consulting business... (Some people thing I'm constantly in motion... and I am.)

I'm hoping to fly it briefly tomorrow (Saturday), then truck it to OshKosh to show to the world.  We don't plan to fly it at OshKosh, but we'll have another Belite demonstrator there as well.  Please come by our booth and look at our innovation on display.

The photos are on our Flickr account, here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beliteaircraft/

And here a couple of the finer photos which I've decided to post on the blog.

Extended Flaperons and Winglets on an UltraCub (Ultralight Aircraft from Belite)
Four Stroke engine on Belite Ultralight Aircraft


See you at AirVenture!

James (& Kathy)

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Crazy Weird Stuff at Belite

Please note: James' blog has moved to a Wordpress site. To access it, please visit http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/. All posts have been transferred to the new site, and all new posts will only be accessible via Wordpress. Thank you for your interest!


CSR:  You sent me that interesting email yesterday, and yes, I would be thrilled to know your identity.  I want you to know that I appreciate the steady income doing this work for you has generated for me, albeit your anonymous nature has puzzled me.  But I fear that my ability to generate this 'spy' information for you may soon be compromised.  I have taken too many risks while 'hanging' around the hangar and taking these photos.

Sigh.  The life of a spy....   I'll bet you don't have a clue how much stress this spying creates.  You really don't pay me enough...   But I digress.

(Regaining my composure)  I was able to slip into the hangar at Belite late this evening, and today, I offer you a couple of photographs which confirm your worst fears:

a)  The UltraCub / 4 stroke combination does indeed feature a flap / aileron combination which has been extended all of the way to the end of the wing.  This is certain to reduce landing speed (and takeoff roll) even further, and also provide for spritely roll control while in flight.

b)  It also features winglets.  These aerodynamic improvements look diminutive in size, yet promise to improve roll control (and wing lift, and reduce wing drag) even further.

Without further ado, here are those photos:

winglet on Belite UltraCub (Ultralight Aircraft)

Belite UltraCub (ultralight Aircraft) with expanded flaperon area and winglets
I noticed one other feature on this Belite, but it will have to wait for a future communique.  Also, I saw a sheet of paper with the price of an UltraCub kit, and it was startlingly low.

Your Servant Faithfully,

Bob Philips

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

4 Stroke Opposed Engine on Ultralight - Confirmed Sighting

Please note: James' blog has moved to a Wordpress site. To access it, please visit http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/. All posts have been transferred to the new site, and all new posts will only be accessible via Wordpress. Thank you for your interest!


TOP SECRET -- EYES ONLY FOR UNDERSIGNED

To:  C.S.R.
From:  Ace Industrial Spy Service, Bob Phillips, PI, acting SPECIAL AGENT
Re:   Belite's Product Improvements ----- TOP SECRET MEMO #18

Mr. C.S.R.:

Thanks for calling me earlier today.  I appreciate your concern over the fact that Belite is preparing to offer a traditional opposed cylinder four stroke engine on a legal Part 103 ultralight aircraft -- this is indeed a gamechanger and will help re-awaken the ultalight marketplace.  Per your request for information, I returned to Belite's facility late this afternoon and took some more clandestine photos while most of Belite's staff was absent.

It was sweltering out there.  I can't imagine how they continue to work as daily high temperatures in Wichita are forecast to hit 107 degrees later this week... 

Also, as a side note, I was able to observe Mr. Wiebe briefly, and I noted that he now is sporting a slightly "Harry Potterish" scar on his left forehead.  What is with that man??  Between emergency room runs (a rumored six stitches on the last ER outing); welding burns; daily cuts; and odd bruises, I am amazed he still has his vision and his digits.  

I agree with your comments concerning their aircraft finishing methodology.  They are now able to create world class finishes on small aircraft, using less time and money than competitive approaches.  Per your request, I have enclosed some sneakily taken photos of the fuselage which is covered with burgundy metallic.

The engine in question has been verified to be a 1/2 VW with an all up weight of about 88 pounds, developing 45HP (as I mentioned yesterday), with dual independent ignition.  This puts it at less weight than other four stroke offerings!  It is truly an aircraft engine on an ultralight aircraft.  My understanding is the Belite is pursuing this engine approach due to the fact that 1/2VW engines have been flying for 20 or 30 years, with good results, and that these engines are available fully assembled at reasonable prices.  In order to support them, Belite appears to have developed a custom four point isolated engine mount.  I also understand that similar 1/2VW engines may be built from 'scratch', from common plans ($25 or $30), utilizing off the shelf VW engine components.  Even better for Belite and their customers, the engines are available as kits at very reasonable prices.

Here are the spy photos I promised you:

1/2VW on Belite Ultralight Aircraft:  45HP of four stroke reliability

The above photo is a little better than yesterday's photo.  The exhaust pipes have been attached, and the magneto is reflected off the firewall in the rear of the engine.  The engine mount is clearly visible, as is Belite's custom developed heavy aluminum shock mount / engine mount plate.  BTW, I was able to see the alloy stamping on the firewall, and it was 7075 aluminum -- top quality aircraft grade.

Engine mount for 1/2VW on Belite Ultralight Airplane
1/2VW on Belite Ultralight airplane, from side
Tailfeathers:  Burgundy Metallic Vinyl over Dacron on Belite Ultralight Aircraft
Closeup of rudder cable exit plate (sharp white paint) on Belite Ultralight Airplane