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Zodiac XL vs. HDS

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phpd81p(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 5:42 pm Post subject: Zodiac XL vs. HDS

Hi All,



I'm in a bit of a dilemma, so maybe you guys with some experience can offer your input. I'm just getting started with my Zodiac project (rudder workshop in November.) Due to limited hanger space, I'm really interested in going with the HDS to save 4 feet of wingspan. I'm planning on using the Corvair conversion, and I'm not concerned about LSA rules, because I will be not operating my plane under LSA.  



So I guess what I'm trying to find out is if there are any HDS builders who have flown both the HDS and the XL who can offer a practical pro/con assessment of each model. And is there anyone who built an HDS who wished they had built a XL, or vice-versa? 



Thanks,

Shane

  [quote][b]

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larry(at)macsmachine.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:55 am Post subject: Zodiac XL vs. HDS

Hi Shane,

I scratch built a HDS and have flown it 105 hours.  There are 

differences in speed, handling and carrying capacity.  The XL with a 

Corvair should be faster by 5 - 10 mph than a HDS.  The storage capacity 

of the HDS wing is very generous and the tapered 23-foot span cuts rough 

air better than a wide one like the XL.  The strength of the HDS wing is 

significantly tougher, has a thicker section, conversely more drag.  

Once, I felt I'd want to have an XL because of the advantage of a 

thinner wing, but since, find the storage, fuel capacity and handling of 

the HDS more to my liking.



I especially do not like the heavy main gear as designed for the XL.  

The HDS gear is much lighter, more than a bit frustrating to build, but 

a better gear in my opinion.

(opinion value$.02)  I've only been in the demonstrator XL once and the 

found a lower sink rate on landing.  Flaps are an advantage for the wide 

wings, not for the HDS.



Another important question, would Zenith continue support for the HDS 

down the road if you're a kit builder and later ding a wing. No problem 

if you are a scratch builder.

I think you'll find as many people taken by the XL and reluctant to fly 

a 23-foot taper wing as well.  It's the latest most imitated LSA 

aircraft out there.



Larry McFarland  601HDS at www.macsmachine.com

Shane Norwood wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Hi All,



 I'm in a bit of a dilemma, so maybe you guys with some experience can 

 offer your input. I'm just getting started with my Zodiac project 

 (rudder workshop in November.) Due to limited hanger space, I'm really 

 interested in going with the HDS to save 4 feet of wingspan. I'm 

 planning on using the Corvair conversion, and I'm not concerned about 

 LSA rules, because I will be not operating my plane under LSA.



 So I guess what I'm trying to find out is if there are any HDS 

 builders who have flown both the HDS and the XL who can offer a 

 practical pro/con assessment of each model. And is there anyone who 

 built an HDS who wished they had built a XL, or vice-versa?



 Thanks,

 Shane

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