First Sling LSA Mod

A big part of beta test is integrating Gen2v3 capability into the Sling LSA, a really nifty South-African designed two-seater powered by a Rotax engine. We are partnering with the Sling Academy in Torrence California to modify the Sling LSA airplanes they use for primary training in their ab initio pilot training program. We think gathering empirical data in a primary training environment will be helpful for us to assess the utility of AOA and energy cues v3 provides. In order to do that, Tron (better known to the IRS as Cecil Jones ;) headed down to South Florida to modify the first airplane that will be used to prototype the installation as well as gather flight test data for calibration. Bob and Joan are honchoing up a group of talented high school students who are currently building another Sling LSA and serving as flight test engineers as we test fly the v3. As I type, Bob is almost finished mapping the aircraft curves. Initially, we'll gather data for each flap configuration (0, 10, 20 and 30) and then determine how many curves we'll need for normal operation. We can't tell in advance, and simply plot the data to see how well we can "grab points" using a polynomial curve that we all learned about in high school and have subsequently forgotten...Here are Tron's words:

"With the Super help of Bob and Joan Zalenski at Naples FL we have kicked off our next phase of AOA Gen2v3 Flight Testing by completing a temporary (for now) installation of our AOA system in their Sling 2 aircraft.  This installation starts with the integration of our AOA box mounted on a simple bracket attached to the back of the pilots EFIS Display, and then with T connections into the Slings Pitot, AOA, and Static pressure lines.  Next behind the panel we connected 1 wire in parallel into the Sling Flap position sensor, and 1 wire into the G3x RS232 text data out line.  The front panel connections included a White LED AOA System Status Light (slow flash heart beat) paired with an AOA system volume control, on the right side of the panel there is a 3.5 MM Stereo plug connected into the external Garmin Audio System input (AOA Tone Connection), and a 12VDC power plug.

"Bob has commenced his phase 1 flight testing executing a series of test profiles provided by Vac (example is shown in the Flight Track Profile).  When the phase 1 testing is completed the OnSpeed team will provide the initial AOA set points and kick off the senond phase which will include the first series of AOA tone testing.

"When this initial Sling testing is completed we will install several Gen2V3 AOA boxes in the Sling Flight Academy aircraft at Torrance CA and get direct student and instructor feed back on how an aural AOA system may help in various types of flight training."

TRON

Lenny and Bob downloading flight test data over wifi

Initial GPS calibration run ground plot

The Sling is equipped with a Garmin pitot/AOA. It's the first time we've tested that probe and initial results look excellent!

Gen2v3 is mounted on a shelf that uses these four screws on the back of the Garmin G3X. Bob designed and built the shelf. Mounting places the v3 very close to the longitudinal axis of the airplane, which is helpful for test and integration of the accelerometers in the v3 box.

v3 Mounted behind the G3X. Note the use of industrial strength velcro to hold it in place. We use the same velcro in the RV-4 test bed and found that you need a screwdriver to pry the box off for removal, it's that strong!

Initial flight test configuration. The LED is dimmable and "breathes" to indicate proper operation. This logic was chosen to accommodate night conditions. We are working with the Sling engineers to finalize permanent configuration. BTW, this panel is nicer than the 777 I fly at work!