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river1
Joined: 07 Sep 2007
Posts: 28
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 Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:00 am Post subject: 701 evolution |
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Can someone provide info on the evolution of the 701 . Mark Townsend mentions the sp model , I thought that there was only one kind . I remember that back then all printed info came from zenair and zenith was a year or two old, there was no web site. Any early 701 builders that want to share their expirience , or people flying early model please do so thx.
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txpilot
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Location: Houston, TX
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| Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 7:33 am Post subject: Re: 701 evolution |
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I have made the mistake of purchasing a used kit that was partially built. This kit was originally purchased in 1999. After checking the provided iinstructions, I ordered the newest plans and now reference the pictorial drawings on the ZAC website. I can now see the differences in the 701 evolution. I can't tell you the 'why', but here's a list of 'what':
1. Modified wing root skin and added wing root angle (probably to reduce skin buckling issues)
2. Modification of nose wheel gear to add upper and lower nylon bearings. Bungee and bungee pin upgraded for heavier weights.
3. Modification of main gear. 'Old' style gear is similar to the 601 with wheel forks. New gear is mounted to the side of the spring. Skyjeep option includes heavy duty all-terrain tundra gear and wheels.
4. Extended baggage compartment added.
5. Modified door hinges. Original doors are forward hinged and required builder to fabricate hinges from 3/4" stock. New doors are hinged upwards.
6. Wing tanks added. Original kits had single fuel tank located under the instrument panel.
7. Formed windshield added.
8. 'SP' Sport Plane ready introduced 06/2001. 21 parts are either added or upgraded to larger thicknesses. Jury struts are greatly modified. Changes are made to the plans whereas some locations have more rivets. These changes are required for 1100 lb gross weight modification.
9. VERY IMPORTANT: Seat belt attachments increased in size from .040" thickness to .063" thickness. Also, ZAC added a central seat belt attachment doubler underneath the tunnel (although many builders feel this doubler is inadequate).
10. Stabilizer front brackets increased in thickness due to cracks found in some aircraft.
These are just some changes I noted off the top of my head and is not all-inclusive. While some of these items were modified for increased versatility or convenience, some are safety related due to past experience. Either way, I would suggest going with the latest plans as they have evolved into a safe, versatile aircraft. That's just my two cents. 
Best Regards,
Dan Ginty
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river1
Joined: 07 Sep 2007
Posts: 28
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| Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:31 am Post subject: Re: 701 evolution |
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Dan; Thanks for the info, I am new to the list and I am spending some time reading back . I am posting the same questions that I sended to seb heintz on a e-mail a week ago but still waiting for the answer . Of all the items that you mention only the seat belts and the horz stab attach seem to be important. I started to build one in 94, fuselage and ribs when I had to stop for many reasons. It seems to me so far that most changes are in responce to market needs , of heavy pilots wanting biger engines , More range , speed. Still with the available knowledge, do you think it could be built safely? Thx.
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txpilot
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Location: Houston, TX
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| Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:03 pm Post subject: Re: 701 evolution |
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Well, like I said, I'm giving you the 'whats' and not the 'whys'. I'm only seeing a part of the story, but hopefully Sebastian can fill in the blanks.
I would say you're correct that most of the changes may be for market needs, but other things (i.e. nosewheel steering components) may have been upgraded to improve reliability. Simply put, I'm not sure.
I see from other posts that you're interested in building a 701 as light as possible. May I ask why you're deciding not to upgrade your 701 to current SP standards? The only other consideration is lack of available parts. As I recall, another member on this forum is looking for a 582 mount, which I doubt ZAC still makes. Anyway, that may be another reason to stick with current designs.
P.S. - Two more things to add on my previous list: modification to rudder control cables by adding a pulley near the main gear section (possibly for system reliability), and upgrade of the rear fuselage top channel (cracks found in other aircraft).
Dan
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river1
Joined: 07 Sep 2007
Posts: 28
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| Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject: Re: 701 evolution |
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Dan; My impresion is that company presidents are usually unavailable that's why I tried first over e-mail, tomorow I'll try the phone.I don't have one or the plans, but like to plans built the original spec 701.The reason, less weigt less power needed (582).The engine mount plans was included in the early plans and I can weld .In relation to the fuselage top chanel I received private e-mail for the reasons , flying at gross hard landings , vne and overall heavy engines. Thanks again Pedro.
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jetboy
Joined: 22 Jul 2006
Posts: 233
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| Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:03 am Post subject: Re: 701 evolution |
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In 1986 it flew with 52 hp, MAUW 880 lbs and was designed for engines 45 - 85 hp up to 130 lbs.
1990 - MAUW 960 lbs engines 50 - 100 hp / 130 lbs max. to serial 7-4511
July 2001, serials 7-4512 and later, MAUW 1100 lbs powerplant to 100 hp and installed weight 200 lbs max.
I dont know the latest Europe lightweight version there was a little info on the Zenair europe site, seems you could leave off the SP options like the perspex screen, wing tanks and tundra wheels to get your weight lower, but honestly if you are using a low weight high output 2 stroke it will be fine - I admit the earlier airframe will probably balance better. I think its better to include the slightly heavier spars and structural brackets, even if you dont 'need' them. Perhaps dont paint the aircraft.
I found the jabiru so light that even with a 26 AH battery in the engine bay I'm sitting on the aft CG limit with std wingtanks full. 912 needs the battery moved aft to compensate.
Ralph / CH701SPJ / 2200A started dreaming 1993 started building 2004
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Ralph - CH701 / 2200a |
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river1
Joined: 07 Sep 2007
Posts: 28
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| Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:47 am Post subject: Re: 701 evolution |
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I just got off the phone with zac (Roger) and he said that the weight increase with all the new revisions should be around 10# to 15# .That if I use the 582, header tank only ,old style windscreen and refrain from adding to much electronics and build to plan spec, I should be able to be at or below 500# .Thanks to all that ansered my post.
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