Defiant Main Gear Shortening

[DEFIANT MECHANIC]

The owner of the Defiant I am working on has heard of other owners shortening the main gear by 6 inches. We would like to have any information anyone has to offer on this as it would fix some of the design flaws with the Defiant. If anyone has done this or heard of it we would like to know the particulars on it before we go hacking at the gear. I think a new weight and balance and CG will have to be done as well as some support at the new mounting point of the wheel. Thanks

[hmanvel]

Many Defiant Builders have shortened the main gear, but I don't think I've heard of a 6" reduction. 4", is more common. I did mine 3 1/2" and that seems about right on my airplane. The plans built plane has a nose down attitude which definitely lengthens the takeoff roll. Harry Manvel.

[johnloof]

I did not cut down the main gear legs on my Defiant. When the airplane is loaded to 3000 lbs gross weight the level point on the fuselage floor is exactly level so I have not seen a need to shorten them.

 

John Loofbourrow

N770JL

[DEFIANT MECHANIC]

Thanks for your reply Mr. Manvel. The nose down stance of this plane puts the prop swinging a little too close to the ground for my comfort. Did you notice the need for any change in weight and balance or CG?

[hmanvel]

I raised up the rear to the plans-level spec for weighing and weight and balance purposes. All the Rutan w & b specs are based upon a level fuselage, which means level on the bottom of the fuselage just aft of the fwd firewall. HM.

[lancehooley]

Hi All,

 

Kinda on the same thread.....does any body know where I can get a main gear bow for my project?

 

I appreciate your time with this.