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I think that anyone
interested in buying an A/C system or as we like to call it in the Lancairs "
life support system " should do their homework. I have installed and used both
systems, two of the Airflow systems in my earlier days and several of the Aero
Cool systems now. I have tested both systems in the Dominican Republic, New
Orleans, Florida and across the U.S. to Oregon and have found that both systems
work equally as well in all temperatures. It is simply a question of whether you
want a scoop on the bottom of your plane or not. I found that the Airflow system
puts the CG a little forward and the engine driven Aero Cool system doesn't
change it at all because the pump and mounting brackets mount on the front of
the engine, about 15 lbs. and the condenser mounts in the tail. When we install
the condenser in the tail we also remove the pressure compensator and install
the elevator push rod conversion system that I build and have sold to more than
50 Lancair IV-P builders. This eliminates about 3-5 lbs. from the tail. Both
systems require about the same amount of labor, installing the condenser in the
tail of the plane after the top is glued on is
not much fun but neither is laying on your back gluing on the scoop, bid taping
the edges, micro fill, body working and the paint. Other than that they are
about the same.
The weight of our
fan by no means weighs more than the fiberglass scoop. I think that both
systems weigh about the same, at least close enough. We have started using new
smaller and lighter hoses with re-usable fittings that has lightened our system
and made the hoses much easier to run through the fuselage and the fittings do
not require a crimper. Since I also fly the planes, I know that the scoop slows
the plane down. But, does 5 kts really matter when your flying at almost 300
KTAS, that's up to the buyer. As far as comprimising the structual integrity of
the plane, boy there's a long shot, we installed the Aero Cool system with the
two holes in the bottom in the last Turbine that we built. The plane has a few
times seen over 310 KIAS, yes indicated at low altitude, with a sharp pull up at
the end of the pass and a comfortable wing over.
There is
nothing magic about one from the other, they both work exactly the same.
So it really just boils down to, do you want a scoop or no scoop.
Last comment, I
just think it is little tacky for someone to knock another persons product
simply to try and make theirs look better. Let's leave that to the
politicians!!
Mike Custard
Aero Cool, LLC.
Advanced Aviation, Inc.
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