Air Creation Tanarg: Structure

The heart of the beast – structure and engine installation

The Tanarg has a stainless steel spaceframe structure design. This allows precise control of structure and optimizes strength and weight. It also enables freedom for the designer to position elements of the structure to best effect.

Traditionally this sort of structure was too complex to produce and had high labour content demand making it costly. Using CAD technology and Laser cutting capabilities, the design team at Air Creation have been able to overcome these problems and take only the benefits.

The structure is divided into 3 main elements which bolt together and enable individual replacement if damaged.

The engine is supported in a cradle that attaches to the airframe through widely spaced isolation mounts. This produces a firm yet supple attachment with excellent vibration isolation properties whilst holding the engine steady from excess movement due to torque. The placement and thrust line has been optimized to reduce trim changes due to torque from power changes and give ideal progressive pitch / power co ordination.

The 100 horsepower Rotax 912ULS engine is chosen as the standard UK fit. This engine is a real powerhouse delivering its power effortlessly and with legendary reliability.

Protection from carburetor icing is provided with a bespoke Air Creation induction system which uses coolant to warm the carburetor bodies. This ‘permanent on’ system produces full time protection from carburetor icing without any power loss or any need for the pilot to remember to turn anything on.

The engine exhausts through two corrosion proof stainless steel silencer systems which are carefully designed with double ball joints and isolation mounts to be free from the collection of crack inducing fatigue.

Power delivery is completed with final drive through a high efficiency composite multi blade ‘Kievprop’ propeller either 3 or 5 blade. The 3 blade has the edge on efficiency and light weight, whilst the striking 5 blade design offers slightly lower noise. Protection from damage is provided by the generous ground clearance and inset metal leading edge protection strips.

Cooling is provided by an integrated coolant radiator with air ducted through slots in the rear fairing. Efficiency is good enough for prolonged full power climbs in hot ‘desert’ conditions.

The upper fairing or bonnet contains integrated scoops to duct air through the oil cooler on the top of the engine. The upper and lower fairings work together to increase efficiency by feeding smooth air into the propeller arc. The lower fairing also serves to contain the oil reservoir.

Fuel is provided by a giant 68litre fuel tank. This tank is situated at the lowest point on the aircraft and in line with the Cg of the trike. This positioning produces no trim change or change in ground stabilty from full to empty. Made from tough polyethelene it does double duty as a fairing. Filling is easy and the contents are easily read via a large transparent sight gauge.

The structure of the Tanarg is designed for long life. The main structure of the trike unit is corrosion resistant stainless steel. The iXess wing features Trilam main sail which ensures much ehanced life compared to traditional Dacron fabric when subject to the degrading effects of the Sun’s UV rays. All fittings and junctures are clearly built to last.

Aerodynamics – form and function

The sleek lines of the Tanarg are not just for styling. Through careful study of aerodynamics and the relative airflow the optimum position and angle of the ensemble was determined to achieve minimum drag.

The fairings are also optimized for protection of the crew from wind buffeting, and to provide smooth airflow into the propeller arc for maximum efficiency and minimum noise.

In addition care has been taken with the proportions to provide for positive aerodynamic balance in the Yawing Axis. This ensures straight tracking and easy coordinated roll handling throughout the large speed range.