RKW Posted September 14, 2011 Posted September 14, 2011 Visited the Jabiru factory on Monday and noticed a new J160 with the new vertical stabiliser, same as fitted to the J170/230. It will soon be undergoing certification and it looks great. No photos this time unfortunately!
RKW Posted September 27, 2011 Author Posted September 27, 2011 I finally got some photos of the new J160 and instrument panel. Really nice improvements on a popular model. The new fin (fat tail) will be standard on all the new models, same as the J170.
skyfox99 Posted September 27, 2011 Posted September 27, 2011 Looks great, that new panel is starting to grow on me.
facthunter Posted September 27, 2011 Posted September 27, 2011 They are definately evolving with time. Nev
skyfox99 Posted September 27, 2011 Posted September 27, 2011 Jabiru just keep moving along, always improving there aircraft.
RKW Posted September 27, 2011 Author Posted September 27, 2011 The new fin has an aerofoil section, whereas the old one essentially has flat sides. This is, apparently, to improve rudder control. The slight radius curve on the top really enhances the overall (visual)effect.
Dieselten Posted September 29, 2011 Posted September 29, 2011 These are incremental changes in an airframe which needs relatively little changing anyway. The new panel is a mixed blessing as the curved section makes it a little more difficult for students to ensure they are "wings level"...sitting in the right side it's much easier. Better (stronger) door-restraints and doors that seal properly in the door-frames should be the next "tweaks". These are minor annoyances which would benefit from some work at build-time on factory-built machines. Basically the J160 airfame is durable, low maintenance and tough as nails...just what a trainer should be.
RKW Posted November 11, 2011 Author Posted November 11, 2011 How could I resist...Well I lashed out and bought it. Here it is landing at YCAB! I had the panel modified to take a Dynon D10a, a strobe was installed and adjustable rudder pedals. I flew it back from Bundy on Tuesday and it performed well. Many thanks to the good folk at Jabiru. 2
turboplanner Posted November 11, 2011 Posted November 11, 2011 Congratulations. That vertical stabiliser and strake look good to me. What model were you flying previously 1
RKW Posted November 11, 2011 Author Posted November 11, 2011 Hi Turbo, I have been flying a J170, and this is a photo I took of it, flying back from Bundaberg on Tuesday somewhere west of Burrum Heads. Regards, Bob 1
Piet Fil Posted November 11, 2011 Posted November 11, 2011 RK, Can you tell me why you shifted from the 170 to the 160?? What were the pros and cons involved. I am just curious as to your thoughts seeing as you have owned both. Ta in advance
turboplanner Posted November 11, 2011 Posted November 11, 2011 I'll be most interested to hear your opinions of the differences in control between this and the J170 in gusty and crosswind landings RKW
Guernsey Posted November 12, 2011 Posted November 12, 2011 Not sure if I like the height of the instrument panel in front of the pilot. Alan.
RKW Posted November 12, 2011 Author Posted November 12, 2011 Hello Kyliefil and Turbo, I favour the 160 over the 170 because I find it more predictable to land and particularly so for gusty crosswind conditions. The 170 has a tendency to float if you bring it in over 65kts and the excess speed does not wash off that quickly, whereas the 160 trims easily to 70kts with a steeper approach. In gusty crosswind conditions the 170 can be a bit of a handful, possibly exacerbated by the extra vertical surfaces. Rod Stiff rightly points out that if you are having a problem with the float, you are bringing it(170) in too fast! Trimming it to 65kts often means a rather flat approach. The 160 loses out to the 170 for useful load (about 40kg) but that's not a big issue for me. They are both nice to fly and the differences are in most cases minor, but in my humble opinion, I would rather have the 160. Regards, Bob
RKW Posted November 12, 2011 Author Posted November 12, 2011 Hello Alan, The photo of the new rounded panel gives the impression that it obscures forward vision, however that is not the case. A person of average height would have no problems. Regards, Bob
XP503 Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 Wow it actually looks more like it ''should'' - I always thought Jabs looked a bit disproportionate - but that was a good move giving more rudder and stability around the normal/vertical axis.
dazza 38 Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 It does look realy nice and in proportion.
RKW Posted November 13, 2011 Author Posted November 13, 2011 Yes David, the new fin seems to set it off. Another minor difference which I forgot to mention is that the angle of incidence of the horozontal stabilizer has been altered by 2 degrees. I didn't get the reason why. I'll have to drop in to Boonah so you can have a closer look! Regards, Bob
Ballpoint 246niner Posted December 6, 2011 Posted December 6, 2011 It looked very sad amongst the cows yesterday........
RKW Posted December 17, 2011 Author Posted December 17, 2011 All fixed now, though it is amazing how one valve spring can spoil your day...
Ballpoint 246niner Posted December 17, 2011 Posted December 17, 2011 All fixed now, though it is amazing how one valve spring can spoil your day... A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link..... good news! good to see it speedily back in the air mate, Merry Christmas
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