Retract Restrictors
 

Guys,

What are you using as restrictors for air retract systems? Just finished installing a new set of gear in my Eurofighter and want them to retract/lower much slower. At the moment they look as if they're gonna punch through the top of the wing the speed they go up and rip themselves out of the wing on their way down! :)

Anything you're using that has proven effective and reliable?

Rgds,
Mark

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

Crimped a piece of alu tube over the retract line on my Spit retracts. They too had tendencies to 'punch up'. They're much slower and more scale now. Crude, but effective ;)

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

Get some 1/8" wheel collars, you can adjust the amount of restricition to suit your application.

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

I've used the 1/8" wheel collars before - just wondered if there was a more 'specific' product people were using nowadays to achieve this. I guess that as the collar works, why fix it if it ain't broke?!! ;)

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

Mark,

These inline restrictors from Robart work quite well.

http://www.robart.com/air_systems/couplers.aspx

You can plumb in 1 or more in series to get the desired effect.

Are you using spring returns or air up & down ?

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

Cheers Spartan,

I'm using air up and down. I guess these restrictors are a fixed resistance so if I did go for them then I'd have to cross my fingers that it was the right speed!

Do you know where these are designed to be used? One in every line or just one right at the start of the system??

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

Mark

Eurokit do variable restrictors for 4mm tube, or Jet Tronics for use on the outlet of there valves for 3mm.
it may work in line too

Dave

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

Mark,
You will need to experiment.
I guess each retract will need 1 or more restrictotrs on each tube, if your using air up/down.
They are easy to fit, but very difficult to get off, due to the barbs.
If you use a knife, be carefull not to scratch axially across the barbs, otherwise they may leak afterwards.

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

The inline restrictors work well, better than a wheel collar imo. I only used them on the "up" cycle, i always felt like i wanted full pressure on the down cycle. Taking into account wind resistance and making sure the gear is firmly down and locked.
V..

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

I use an Ultra Precision UP-8 retract valve. It has independant speed control for both directions and works beautifully.

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

You can open up the Robart restrictors with a pin if they are too slow or not positive enough, can only do it once though - go easy! - John.

RE: Retract Restrictors
 

In fact Vincent you have full pressur anyway...You just limited the flow not the pressure..The pressure will built more slowly but after a given time you will have full pressure