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Fixed Gear Is the New Retractable
Three of the fastest new single-engine piston aircraft are equipped with fixed gear, rather than retractable landing gear. (www.flyingmag.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
It's simply amazing how they can do this but you can't tell an old dawg like me that hanging gear don't produce drag. They may be above their forerunners in speed and fuel savings category but would be that much more if they were retract and less gear. As I will probably be on insulin after this surgery and have my ticket yanked anyway it makes no difference but after 36+ tears of calling for gear on every takeoff, I can't see breaking that habit. LOL
I wonder how the added drag of fixed gear fares vs. the added weight of retractable gear, though.
That has been the age old argument. Yes, retract adds weight, yet offers a cleaner plane. Retractable gear add to maintenance cost. Does a few extra knots justify or offset cost. Maybe back in the day. I think it has been reduced to personal choice and pocket book issue. I fly a retract and I love it but would be just as happy with good performing fixed gear. Either way my preference is three round rubbery things are where they are suppose to be when its time to cross the numbers 8-)
Definitely a preference. LOL
Good post Preacher1.
As someone said, it comes down to preference. Real birds don't fly with their "gear" down. Neither will I.
I was expecting Peter Garrison to assess the modern qualities of smooth composites with respect to aerodynamics. Clearly smoothing of the nose cowl, windscreen and doors to body precision, and optimized fuselage contours of a TTX or Cirrus all lead to significant reductions in parasite drag. The remaining frontal area ratio of the landing gear should be the benefit for a retractable gear on any aircraft.
My preference is a used Columbia 350 over any available new 40 year old airframe. Esthetically and aerodynamically, the fixed gear has improved significantly since the '60's. Today single engine GA aircraft economies are best served with creative fixed gears.
My preference is a used Columbia 350 over any available new 40 year old airframe. Esthetically and aerodynamically, the fixed gear has improved significantly since the '60's. Today single engine GA aircraft economies are best served with creative fixed gears.