Cockpit Faring Rear - Part 2

The Tucano require's additional air when operating in warmer environments. With the decision to add faring's at the co-pilot area it was decided to used the third panel to provide air for that area. 

A custom inlet was modeled in 3D and sent to be machined in ABS plastic in China. The cover was riveted to the side panel with 5/32'' pop rivets after cutting an opening. The size of the inlet was modeled on the air vent used on a Cessna 172 so the two should supply more than enough air to the rear cockpit. 

The factory vent is seen as a aluminium folding at the rear of the aircraft.

Cutout in side panel for air inlet

The air inlet shown feeds air into the side cover with the cover sealed at both ends against the side skin with the lower flange sealed with Raven self adhesive foam tape against the skin. A extension to the flange was riveted to the side panel to allow the seal to occur on this edge. Raven self adhesive foam tape 6 mm wide will be fitted to this edge to seal on the side panel.

Note:
The step file for the inlet cover is available to other builders - contact through the Australian Dealer Web Site - http://www.flyinglegend.com.au

Air control system behind panel

Air is directed and controlled by the co-pilot via an adjustable vent with excess air spilling over the middle barrier which is clear of the side skin by approximately 20 mm. At the end this air is allow to exit using two [2] fixed vent which directs this air to the canopy to supply the general cockpit with fresh air. When the adjustable vent is closed all excess air vents to the general cockpit via the two [2] fixed vents. If doing it again I would move the fixed vents forward away  from the canopy latch if only for the aesthetics.

The pilot has two [2] personal vents fitted to the lower panel and will be covered in a later blog.

All material used in construction was 0.012'' 2024-T3 aluminium sheet.

Air inlet co-pilot side - typical both sides - trial fitting

Will this work as described - in theory "yes" but the proof will be in the testing which is a way off but this is why its called an experimental category and this is a personal solution.

The vents used are supplied by Euramtec from their Ebay shop. A nylon mesh luggage rack in a frame was purchased to be used as a map pocket to be covered in a blog later.

Euramtec adjustable and fixed vents