Sport Planes from Eagle Aviation

A while back, we started the RAM 115 engine for the first time on Eagle #2, N701EW. This engine is so quiet that in our closed hangar we were able to hold a normal conversation while standing right next to it, with the cowling off. At 4000 crankshaft RPM (5,800 redline) the engine did not exceed 98 decibels. We will conduct more precise tests once we get the aircraft outside. We were pleasantly surprised at how quiet a water-cooled motor with a muffler is. Check out this video of the first run!

701EW is complete and ready for final inspection and certification. We are itching to roll it out of the hangar and put it in the air!

We are ramping up production, with 3 aircraft under concurrent construction, and one airframe on its way to our headquarters. This airframe that will be arriving soon will be used for instruction and rental.

The instrument panel for the first RAM 115-powered Eagle is coming along nicely. The panel includes:

• Garmin SL40 Com
• Garmin 327 transponder
• Trans-Cal SSD120-XXN Digital Encoder
• AvMap GeoPilot II Plus with 5" color LCD screen
• Grand Rapids Tech Engine Information System

The AvMap mount is designed for easy removal so that when you're finished flying you can pop it out and use it in your car for ground navigation. The directional gyro and the artificial horizon are electronic, which eliminates the vacuum system.

We're rapidly approaching completion of the electronics and engine plumbing. Our goal is to be test-flying in less than 3 weeks.

Last week we received an exciting package from Colombia: two beautiful frames from which the third and fourth Eagles will be hatched.

These units arrived at Eagle Aviation headquarters with no significant damage, despite their long journey of more than 3,500 miles.

IBIS, our parts producer, has done a great job fulfilling our design requests, so we don't have to spend as much time modifying the parts that we receive.

For the past couple of weeks we've been hard at work on the exterior of the airplanes and on systems. The radiator installation is finalized, and we are completing the layout of all the components on the firewall and ready to begin plumbing and wiring.

Click on the links below for details.

• Cowling Modification

  We're working on modifying the cowling for the RAM 115 installation. These pictures show the beginnings of the mold we're making for the radiator air inlet scoop.

  
• Landing Light Lenses

  We created molded acrylic covers for the landing lights that fit great.

  
• Wing Roots

  We've sealed off the wing roots so that the cabin stays warm even in Wisconsin winters.

  
• Seatbelts

  

  We've begun the process of installing the seatbelts. The new seatbelt design and engineering is complete and we're awaiting the arrival of production parts for installation in airframe serial number 2. These seatbelts are automotive style and convenience, including an inertia reel. Pictured right is the external inertia reel reinforcing mounting plate. More photos to follow when the installation is complete.

We recently put our engine mount design to the test, and we're pleased to report that it passed with flying colors. The mighty mount exceeded our expectations, holding a staggaring 1,645 lbs. When attached to the Eagle EA-100, the mount will withstand 8.5 Gs, though we don't recommend performing the manuever to produce that kind of force.

The photos below show how we affixed the mount to a strong beam in the hangar, constructed a platform to hold the weight, and piled sand bags (and the brave Frank Friedman) on top of it all. Click on a photo below to see the larger version.