Scratch built Super Cub

[Trytofly]

I started this project last year in August. It took me 3 years to decide what to build. I was going to build a Petenpol, but decided on a "LM5X-W" from Miniature light aircraft Co. in the US. The plans are full scale and come with a CD and 250 page instruction book.
I am using saligna as the main construction, and the paneling is marine ply. The fuselage and tail feathers construction is done. I have started with the controls, seats and inside panels. I will probably import the landing gear. When all is done, including covering, I will start the wings.

[Carel]

Keep the photos coming please.

[Trytofly]

This photo is the latest, but will post a few of the older ones. Had its first inspection yesterday. So I can now carry on, met fotos.

[swiftprop]

Hi Trytofly
What you are building is very commendable. This sounds like an interesting project. Maybe you can change your Microlighters name to something like "doing something about my dream!"or "about to fly" !
Best wishes
Andre

[Tailspin]

Hi TrytoFly

welcome to the Dark side. So far she looks very good. Keeps the reports and the Pics coming.

Good luck and i hope you finish her.

Gavin

[Trytofly]

This is the best picture of the finnished project that I could find on the CD supplied. It is the military version that was built (note the extra observation area behind the skylight) according to Jane's "Vintage Aircraft Recognition guide" it was called a L-4/L-18 Grasshopper.

M2.jpg (96.32 KiB) Viewed 8493 times

[Mogas]

Welcome Trytofly
Nice looking project!
What engine/prop do you plan to install?
What is the planned empty weight?
Happy building
Mogas

[Trytofly]

Here is what the manual says:
LM-5X-W Supercub 100% scale.
Powerplant: Rotax 532 65 hp. Empty weight: 680 lbs (?) Gross: 1100 lbs
Cruise speed: 100mph. Stall @ gross: 35mph. ROC @ gross: 850fpm
Max G (pos): 5.5 neg 3.5. O/all length: 22'7" , cab width 27" , height 6'9" , Wing span 35'2".
Wing area: 178 sq ft. Wing load 6.4 lb/sq ft. T/o dist: 350 ft , landing dist: 400ft

I'm busy with the cabin area and tail-feather controls. Once I'm done I want to move onto the landing gear.
I'm planning to fit an ex Bantam jab or a BMW, of so iets. I do not think that 65 horses will be enough for this lady. I think she'll like somthing in the region of 80?

[Mogas]

680lb or 308kg with 65hp makes it a tad low on the power to weight ratio. It will certainly fly but I would shoot for at least 80hp, preferably 100.
With that airframe you will want to explore the bush strips and a few ponies in reserve would be nice.

[T. van Vuuren]

Morning lads.

New to this site, on AVCOM lately, but here is the second completed and flying wood super cub from the same stable.
Powered by a Lycoming O-235 c1 115 hp,Sensenich metal 76" prop, has flaps 5,5 hours endurance, very stable and can easely carry in eccess of 590 lbs.

No way that this plane can be built as a micro light, just to big and strong.Also it will never fly on the Rattex 582 as stated in the manual, I would say 80 horse min at low alts.

The construction is the same as stated above, eccept for a few mods and improvements I made. I added 2 stage flaps and they are realy worth the effort. The ailerons on the plans are very "bollie" so I went with the standars PA-18 friese ailerons and closed loop cables for controll.
Covered with PolliFiber, and the whole project took 2200 hours over 5 years to complete.It now has 25.4 hours TT and is being inspected for CAA ATF.

The CAA did not accept the plans as enough so myself and another builder had to employ a structural aero engeneer to work the plans for us and we had to do a load test to prove integruty to CAA.It seems that wood is a "problem" to the CAA, even if regularly inspected and they probarbly will want a load test on the wing and attach points.
So all wood builders take note before applying for ATF proving.

Here are a few pix
Regards
Theuns van Vuuren 083 742 2928

Ps. if someone is interested in buying her (at a bargain price!) please let me know.

[Low Level]

Hi Theuns - luv that paintjob.

[T. van Vuuren]

Thanx, so how about buying her from me with a fresh 25 hour inspection CHEAP -CHEAP!!?

Theuns

[leonperkins]

New to this area.

Hi Gentelman,

I'm very interesting in building a new Super-cub but using tubing. Can any one give me more information on the subject I'm not intrested in building it with wood.

[grostek]

Hi Leon,

First of all welcome to the Forum.

Have a look at this link for plans.

http://www.supercubproject.com/drawings/

They are original factory drawings and it is amazing how much normal 1025 steel tube (same strength as our Structural tube) is used and how little 4130 ( High strength steel tube) is used.

Good luck with your project.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek.

[leonperkins]

INS

Hi Leon,

First of all welcome to the Forum.

Have a look at this link for plans.

http://www.supercubproject.com/drawings/

They are original factory drawings and it is amazing how much normal 1025 steel tube (same strength as our Structural tube) is used and how little 4130 ( High strength steel tube) is used.

Good luck with your project.

Kind regards,




Thankx - Gunter

Gunter Rostek.