Tank straps that are lightened?

J

Just call me Al

FRIEND

Near the arctic circle

• Nov 21, 2020

• #1

I was checking out a video of the AK Airmens raffle plane being built by Acme. In the wing build video there is a tank strap that looks like plumbers tape with holes the whole length. Is this a different part number or an aftermarket part? Is it save weight? Where is it available?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSc1g-Bvo2w

 

Attachments

• 
  Screenshot_2020-11-20 Alaska Airmen's Association.jpg

  155.6 KB · Views: 257

Crash Jr.

Registered User

Anchorage, AK

• Nov 21, 2020

• #2

I would assume it is to save weight. Knowing Steve he probably just put them on the drill press and drilled holes. Doesn't look to be very evenly or perfectly spaced holes but it gets the job done.

 

Rob

MEMBER

AZ06

• Nov 21, 2020

• #3

One of the most common ways to end a cub crash sequence is upside down. While I realize that there are many potentials for a tank to depart rupturing fuel lines, adding one more to the list doesn't strike me as an overly wise choice.

I'll leave my belt buckle on the dresser if it gets that tight.

Take care, Rob

 

Crash Jr.

Registered User

Anchorage, AK

• Nov 21, 2020

• #4

But what if you left your belt buckle and ​drilled out your tank straps? Now we're talking real weight savings!

 

S2D

MEMBER

Montana

• Nov 22, 2020

• #5

Rob said:

One of the most common ways to end a cub crash sequence is upside down. While I realize that there are many potentials for a tank to depart rupturing fuel lines, adding one more to the list doesn't strike me as an overly wise choice.

Click to expand...

I was just wondering this morning before I saw your post, if this is even legal. I would consider these straps structural.
What are 20 years of rough field landing going to do to those straps??

 

skywagon8a

MEMBER

SE Mass MA6

• Nov 23, 2020

• #6

Those straps appear wider than the normal strap. Does he have a reason for that? The strap is only as strong as the total amount of the materiel on each side of the biggest hole. SO, making a strap as wide as the total of those two dimensions without holes would have the same strength. The difference would be in the distribution of the forces into the tank itself.

 

skywagon8a

MEMBER

SE Mass MA6

• Nov 25, 2020

• #7

In addition to what I said in #6, unless he wanted the extra width in order to distribute the loads over a wider area, the strap could be made even lighter by making the total width a combination of the material on each side of the widest hole and eliminating the materiel between the holes.

 

G44

MEMBER

SW Michigan

• Nov 25, 2020

• #8

Did anyone think to call him and ask?

Kurt