Lightning main struts - improved design
 

This may be old news, but the Lightning main struts have been improved.
The original had only one bolt with brass bushing. If the bolt shears, the wheel will rotate & bring the jet to an abrubt hook turn with possible damage. I suffered this on take off roll & it was a little dramatic. I fly off semi-rough grass, so I'm sure that added to the stress on the bolt. I suggest you check yours periodically.

The new design has 2 large diameter brass bolts. Hopefully these will hold up better.

Just thought other Lightning flyers would like to know of the update.

...Scott

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

Thank you for the update.

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

Hi.
Great news?
I've had no problems so far with mine, but better safe than sorry:D

Do you know if the update can be ordered from C-ARF and if so what has to be changed? Just the lower strut or also the upper strut with longer slide for the two pins?

Thanks for sharing!

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

I just called my C-Arf rep Ray Labonte's shop looking for the bolt/brass pieces. That's when I was told about the improved strut. I had 2 new struts in my hands within 3 days. I'm assuming all new gear kits will have the latest version.

I flew today for the first time on the new struts. I may just be my imagination, but it seems like the springs are stiffer. The slide length is the same as the older strut. It would make sense to use a stiffer spring because the added pin reduces the slide travel.
My old struts were pretty worn, but they feel softer that the new ones. If they hold up after a few months on grass I'll be happy.

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

I've modified my wings to eliminate the gear doors and added trailing links.....

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

Ron, that is the best solution I have seen to date. It really is the best solution overall. What retract mechanism is that?

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

It's still a secret...until after testing....I promised..............but they will be readily available...once the correct spring is found.....

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

A retract mech that uses a spring? Not sure I buy that. PM me, we may have a common friend.

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

Further reports?

RE: Lightning main struts - improved design
 

Hey Sean - Ron's trying to sell his Lightning (check the classifieds) I'm going to talk to him at Spiderman in Winamac next week.

As far as the new Behotec struts, I had about 27 flights on them and they were doing ok, but seemed a little stiff. I found the brass slider in the C-50 retract tending to bend more over time than with the original "softer" struts & flying off grass doesn't help.

I'm tempted on getting a set of Jet-1A knee struts & try different springs from McMaster-Carr. They have small cot & ultra-precision springs that may work. Sandor/Digitech is supposed to be working on springs for the Lightning, but he's got a lot of other projects going on so its taking a while.