Cargo Pod

[Old Fart]

Does anyone have any information or ever seen a cargo pod for Taylorcraft.

[Stumpy]

Re: Cargo Pod

David,

Welcome to another PNW'er. I used to work as an archaeologist out on-site at PNNL...lived out on Rattlesnake, up on the south slope. Gong to Prosser next month for the fly-in? I might get there if the "T" is healthy. I see Vista Field finally closed, but a few months ago I was at Richland and they were building more hangars...is that where you're at?

Don't know of any "approved" pods. My brother has a couple of slick fiberglass ones that came with a project he has...look like three-foot long steam-lined drop tanks with an access hatch...really nifty and attach to the lift struts.

Some of the Piper guys have some interesting solutions...especially in AK. Getting approvals "outside" can be a little difficult these days though.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Cargo Pod

There are several concepts out there, but nothing certified (at least yet). The biggest I know of being worked on is a small boat that contours to the bottom of the fuselage. The smallest (and in use a lot of places) looks like a "can" on the strut to hold Bear spray. The bear spray is pepper spray that will stop a bear. Not something you want to accidentally go off in flight in the cockpit! I haven't ever seen the "pods" but we used to call them "Blivets" on other planes. They need careful design because they are very close to the CG and can hold a lot of weight. In an arrival they can easily exceed the buckle load limit of the strut! You don't want to be out in the boonies with a pair of bent struts after a less than smooth landing. The struts are NOT designed for point loads along their length. They are pinned at each end specifically to PREVENT bending loads along their span. They are supposed to ONLY see tension or straight compression loads (and not much compression!).

Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Cargo Pod

None were ever STC'd, I know that a guy in Alaska has one that he modified from a cub, but he went rogue and installed a 180 lyc, cub gear and flaps....along with adjustable seats....Tim

[Stumpy]

Re: Cargo Pod

Sheesh...monster "T" Reckon I'd like to see that...from the outside watching with coffee cup in hand...

[astjp2]

Re: Cargo Pod

I would hop in it in a heart beat, fun to watch cub guys get blown away in cruise with the same climb performance....Tim

[1938BF50]

Re: Cargo Pod

Aux fuel for a 36hr range in 20407.

[mike lutz]

Re: Cargo Pod

Gonna need a lot of nose down trim/LOL.Got any picts of the pilot relief tube?--LOL

[fearofpavement]

Re: Cargo Pod

With the low gross weight on the T, not sure how effectively a pod could be utilized?