ICP Factory Build Bely Pod

[Xavier]

Hi all,

 

finally got the factory build belly pod fitted on the VG.

 

It took us a couple of hours to get it setup and it fits very nicely.

 

Very happy with the size and will take it for a spin in the next few days.

 

Then it will need a bit of paint and on the look for the Million Dollar Bara.

 

 

Thanks to Reg who has been very helpful to get it sent to Darwin.

 

Xavier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rankamateur]

Just need a bit of rubber around the join and you could hang a small outboard on it and use it for a tinnie when you get to the spot. Not sure it would outrun a crock though.

 

 

[Skee]

So that's where you drop cargo from like a Hercules.

 

 

 

[eightyknots]

Hi all,finally got the factory build belly pod fitted on the VG.

 

It took us a couple of hours to get it setup and it fits very nicely.

 

Very happy with the size and will take it for a spin in the next few days.

 

Then it will need a bit of paint and on the look for the Million Dollar Bara.

 

[ATTACH=full]46661[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46662[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46663[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46664[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46665[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46666[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46667[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46668[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]46669[/ATTACH]

 

Thanks to Reg who has been very helpful to get it sent to Darwin.

 

Xavier

Is there any data on this?

 

For instance:

 

How much does the belly pod weigh?

 

What is the belly pod's maximum load?

 

How waterproof is this if used flying through rain?

 

Any figures on the aerodynamic performance, belly pod vs no belly pod?

 

 

[Xavier]

Bit of data here from ICP : OPTIONALS FACILITIES | ICP AVIAZIONE S.R.L.

 

Looks like i will lose a couple of knots cruising speed for the same RPM because of the extra drag but it needs to be tested.

 

Same for the fuel consumption, time will tell.

 

 

[Xavier]

Doing a few test on fuel consumption and ASI after the installation of the pod.

 

Test done with 1Pax and 20Kg in the pod.

 

For the same RPM of around 5100 it looks like we lose about 2-3 knots cruising speed.

 

Fuel consumption went up from 13L/hour to 14l/hour.

 

It was only for a short 1.2 hours flight so more test is required.

 

So far I cannot see any difference in the flying behavior with the pod.

 

Happy days.

 

Xavier

 

 

 

[eightyknots]

"It is possible to gain access to the luggage van both laterally, through a little door closed by dzusts, and at the back, through a little door fixed , when closed, by two safety fastener and two dzusts" [from ICP website]

 

Does anyone have any idea what DZUTZTS are?

 

Also, what is the load limit on these belly pods?

 

 

[Xavier]

On the ICP link : "it permits to load up to 20 kilos of luggage"

 

I suppose this would be the load limit.

 

I will take photos of the dzusts tomorrow.

 

 

[rankamateur]

Does anyone have any idea what DZUTZTS are?

Fasteners & Tools look towards the bottom under Self Ejecting Dzus Fasteners.

 

 

[Maxrated]

Anyone know what the cargo pod costs?

 

 

[APenNameAndThatA]

Vne drops to 81 kts. Available for XL but not for S. When you did your flight test, how fast did you go?

 

 

[APenNameAndThatA]

Plane looks magnificent in the camo, btw.

 

 

[Xavier]

I was losing about 3 to 5 knots cruising speed on the 912ULS 80HP, or using a bit more fuel for same ASI.

 

It's about $1,600 without freight.

 

The pod is fairly big and well design, you can fit a lot close to the center of gravity.

 

I found that the plane fly a bit differently, the yaw feels different.

 

 

[eightyknots]

Vne drops to 81 kts. Available for XL but not for S. When you did your flight test, how fast did you go?

I wonder, why wouldn't it be available for the S?

 

 

[rankamateur]

I wonder, why wouldn't it be available for the S?

Because it mounts up to the lower fuselage longerons and that part of an S is just fresh air under a curved skin.