Lift Strut Length

[Chris In Milwaukee]

Does anyone here have access to a C-206, C-207, or C-208 that can get a measurement of the lifts struts for me? Bob's design uses an 88" strut, but I need 99-100" for the Expedition. Looking to see what's out there before I explore other options.

Thanks!


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[Chris In Milwaukee]

Or for you folks Down Under, the Mahindra/Gipps Airvan.


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[marcusofcotton]

Civil Air Patrol has a number of Gipp Airvans, I no longer have contacts at So. St. Paul. Typically, I believe they're usually stationed at each state's Wing Headquarters.

[Chris In Milwaukee]

That's not too far away. Perhaps I can pay a visit. Thanks for the tip. One of my friends is a CAP pilot. I'll see if there's one local at Stevens Point.

[Chris In Milwaukee]

Pete Young, fellow Bearhawk builder and mission pilot in Nairobi, was able to measure both C-206 and C-208 for me, and the struts are 88" and 110" respectively. If anyone has a lead on the Airvan before I can find one, I'd appreciate it.

[n144sh]

Did you talk with Bob about getting a longer strut? I believe it is an extrusion that could be just about any reasonable length.

Steve
RV-4
Bearhawk 4PL

[Chris In Milwaukee]

I haven't yet. I'll be giving him a call about that fairly soon. I need to get the cross-sectional dimensions of it (although it might actually be in a past Beartracks article) so I can be sure can meet the buckling requirements. Thanks for the reminder!

[Bcone1381]

Do these work?

http://www.carlsonaircraft.com/struts.html

[Chris In Milwaukee]

I looked at those. Not quite big enough. They are about 1/3 smaller than Bob's struts. I'll check with Bob and see what it would take to get longer ones of his.

If I calculated it right, Bob's struts should be good for over 15,000 pounds in compression at the length I need.

Just for a point of reference, C206 struts (too short) are $5500 EACH, and C208 struts are $15,500 EACH. Bob's are a bargain at any price!

[patrickh99]

Have you checked with Wentworth salvage?

[Chris In Milwaukee]

I haven't checked with anyone yet. Just thinking ahead. I've been researching what goes on what, for the most part. They certainly a go-to place. I don't know that they have an online inventory, but may give them a call, though. Thanks for the tip!