Shock absorber float mounts for the Bixler.

by ScottyZ | January 12, 2014 | (7) Posted in Projects

Sorry if this article isn't as professional looking as the rest. It's my first one. Been a fan of FT for a year, but have'nt had anything to contribute until now. This past summer mmerry2 showed me how to put the GSW floats on the Bixler, and they work great!  But my landings are not as smooth as i would like, so  I fixed that. I fabricated all the mounting hardware with a bridgeport milling machine. I realize not many have access to those kinds of resources, but honestly I'm just as jealous of you guys with your 3D printers. I used 1/18th scale RC shock absorbers.

Carbon fiber tubing hot glued to the fuselage act as receivers ( as in "hitch receiver", not RX)

1/4 " square aluminum slides through.


Secured with a bbq skewer throught the center holes.

There's no liquid water here in Minnesota yet, But she works fine on the snow.

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COMMENTS

onemoreflite (John Michaels) on January 17, 2014
Awesome! I never thought of putting car shocks on a plane to take the landing impact. Nicely done!
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dbwennberg on January 17, 2014
Scottyz, Great idea! Can't wait to see them in action. Nice documentation pictures as well! Happy Flying!
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ScottyZ on January 17, 2014
Thanks everybody, Make sure you check out the article that got it all started.
http://flitetest.com/articles/adding-floats-to-the-bixler
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Hookdriver on February 4, 2014
That little system looks pretty slick! Curious if when the shocks are loaded up if they will cause the airplane to try and bounce or if they will just dampen and make things smoother. Definitely a cool setup.
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ScottyZ on February 6, 2014
Without the shocks, whenever I land I would get that first initial "bounce" when she touched down. This set-up dampens, and therefore significantly reduces that bounce. I'm expecting very smooth landings once the lakes up here thaw out.
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mark d on January 17, 2014
I love it! Looks cool and functional!
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Mizzster D Double-a on January 18, 2014
very nice, i was thinking the other day about mod quad landing skid, I want to use rc car shock for my quad landing skid. this is a very good example for me.
thanks you for sharing :)
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MT Alex on January 17, 2014
Super! I may have to try something similar to this on my Bixler. I've been hunting for a good seaplane for the summer months, this would fill the gap with a plane I am already familiar with and like to fly.
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AntonovLover on March 10, 2022
that's just downright cool.
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ScottyZ

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Shock absorber float mounts for the Bixler.

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