Warbird Information Exchange

I disagree. First, the issue with the EAL DC-7 was a PRT issue, not the engine. While the PRTs were fairly reliable in airline use, like many things with radial engines, they don't like extended periods of not running. Also, the DC-7 is still at CHS and will probably remain there after the crew was unable to obtain funding to repair the engine. This also occurred about the time that the parent company started running into problems due to a loss in work from the continued recession as well that saw them selling several of their other aircraft.

The B-29 engines (both the hybrid and original) do not use PRTs, so this removes them from the equation. Additionally, as was said above - the R3350 is a fairly reliable engine. 1000HRS TBO is about average for current radials (R1830, R2800, R2600) and last I heard, Anderson had said he hoped for 1200-1500HR TBO on the hybrids, which would exceed what you get out of the originals, but as was said before, they've already well surpassed the average TBO from the original engines, so it's more than a smart investment to get the new engines on 'Doc.'

Lots of good info here...thx.

Coming full circle to the original question, with two flying examples utilizing the -3350 "Hybrid" motor, how many parts are out there to continue to build engines for these two birds? Enough parts for 10 engines? 100 engines? An indefinate supply?

To answer Iclo: We combined parts from two different "dash" numbered R-3350 engines to create a "new" hybrid engine that hasn't been certified. There are no custom built parts installed in the engines. Since FIFI is licensed as an experimental aircraft, we were able to accomplish these modifications without the FAA to certify it. The FAA did require us to test fly the aircraft for 25 hours before we were able to fly out on tour or airshows.

Ok little update. I have been hit with overtime so my time helping with Doc has almost ceased for the time being. However, the bulk of the structural work is complete with the exception of reinstalling the belly pan so there's not much I feel qualified to assist with now anyway.

Some problems have arisen with the fuel cells not fitting properly. These problems are being worked through however and hopefully will be solved soon.

The rest of the engines are being prepped for installation and have the accessories all attached. Additionally, the cowl has been test fit on the installed engine.




Regarding the discussion about spares - Doc is fortunate enough to have the support of Spirit Aerosystems across the street to assist in building parts when necessary. Spirit helped fabricate a new lower wing spar which was a rather difficult and complex undertaking. WIth the aerospace industry that Wichita has, acquiring replacement parts is more an issue of money rather than availability.

And about the engines, I know the original plan was to acquire two spare hybrid engines in addition to the four to be used. I have not heard otherwise, and with the reliability of these engines, that should be more than enough to keep Doc's propellors turning for years to come.

Somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd option I'd venture. There were several thousand of these motors built (of each type), significant spares for both, and both models are still in active use. While you can't hybridize every one of them, I doubt that spares will be a significant issue for some time to come, even if a 3rd or 4th airplane began to fly the engine as well.

Oh, and don't forget, Rare Bear uses the hybrid engine as well, so there's actually 3 flying aircraft with this engine.

Hey Ryguy;
It is good to hear from you, it has been a while. It's too bad you cant get to DOC as much, but it is good you have plenty of work. We appreciate the updates when you can give them.

_________________
KEEP 'EM' FLYING
____________________________

I don't remember WW II
I remember those who lived it
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B-29 Watcher

For those of you who don't use Facebook, here are a few of the photos that they posted on the "Doc's Friends" page today. There are several more so I won't post all of them.

https://www.facebook.com/DocsFriends

Thanks for the pics Jeremy. The exhaust collector is a work of art. Wish I was that good with a TIG welder.

Hopefully the Friends of Doc have Deep Pockets. Would love to see this bird on the east coast.

As I said on the Facebook post, Borla ain't got nuttin' on that stainless exhaust!

It seems to me that someone in Wichita would have the time to post the progress more than once in a while. The last post on Facebook was on April 7th and in that post they said (and I quote) "Our team expects to receive the exhaust systems for the remaining three engines over the next three weeks.". It has been over two weeks and nothing. I wish Ryguy or Jeremy could post they kept us in the know. I hate not knowing or seeing for such a long time.

_________________
KEEP 'EM' FLYING
____________________________

I don't remember WW II
I remember those who lived it
____________________________

B-29 Watcher

They Installed the propeller on the #4 engine this weekend. they posted it on facebook today. In the picture you can see the other engine(s) are not hung yet, but it is great to see the progress.

_________________
KEEP 'EM' FLYING
____________________________

I don't remember WW II
I remember those who lived it
____________________________

B-29 Watcher

The props, cowls, and engines are now permanently hung in the #1 and #4 positions. #2 and #3 should follow in a few weeks. They also have started painting the stars and bars on the fuselage sides.

For those of you who don't use Facebook:










Source: https://www.facebook.com/DocsFriends