I figure that if the plans call for them then they are not going to put me much closer to the 11lb limit than fixed gear, mounting screws, pants, wheels, and axles would.

With the retracts I would have some 2-56 pushrods and connectors, a servo in the fuselage, wheels, struts, axles, and mounting screws. I guess that weighs just a couple ounces more than fixed gear. most guys are getting between 10 and 10-1/2 lbs for their typhoons...a couple extra ounces are worth it to me.

I suppose there is a reliability issue with fixed vs. retractable gear. Mechanical retracts are not as risky as pneumatics, I think.

With fixed gear a really bad landing can break the fuse; with retractable, it rips the wings to pieces.

So i guess it comes down to which system has the lightest weight, best reliability, is the most durable, and the most aerodynamic. I dont know for certain about which is the best weight, reliability or durability...but retracted wheels are most aerodynamic.


chris