FFB Design, Ejection Seat Woes, and Canopy Bow Greeblies!

[@mikepowell9316]

Thanks for the update, Gene. Interesting as always.

[@DavidCAllen50]

Good stuff Gene

[@liljohn118th]

You've already started to chew away at the seat, I say keep doing that and leave the handle intact.

[@f15sim]

That's what I'm leaning towards. Someone sent me a photo of an F-15 ACES II that has a little wrap-around metal cover attached to the area I've been nibbling out...

[@Teh-Stig]

@@f15sim can you move the pivot pin back slightly?

[@f15sim]

@@Teh-Stig No, not without chewing up the seat quite a bit. However, the issue has been solved and the new handles have been installed. I opened up the front of the pocket that the handle fits into by about 10mm. One of my recent update videos shows the results. It looks great!

[@rightrudderleftstick]

Also why not construct the pully/motor geometry out of v-slot (or 8020 imperial dimension) aluminum extrusions? That way you can tweak and adjust exact positioning by putting critical dimensions mounted lengthwise on the channels. That way you can get 80% of the way there in CAD layout and then slide the elements into exact alignment once installed. Otherwise the plywood or aluminum mounting plates have to be dead on right from the cnc machine.

[@f15sim]

That's an interesting idea. I'll certainly think about it. Thanks!

[@rightrudderleftstick]

If you really want to make the ejection seat next level, pack some airbag charges into the rocket tube 😂 💺 🚀

[@rightrudderleftstick]

Also I wouldn’t grind the handle. You’ll never be able to restore the yellow finish, and the seat itself is already beaten up enough that the cutting away will blend in with the patina

[@f15sim]

You'll test it for me, right? 🤣

[@f15sim]

@@rightrudderleftstick Yeah, that's the tack I'm going to take. A friend of mine sent me a photo of a real seat that has a thin, metal, wrap-around cover that goes over the area I'd have to grind out. I'm going to replicate that look.