World Airnews May 2009 - Dell goes like Hell - By Kevin Barker

Having taken part in his first Red Bull Air Race in 2008, South African aerobatic ace, Glen Dell, has upgraded his “ride” for the 2009 season, which kicked off in April, in Abu Dhabi.

His new Edge 540, designed by Zivko Aeronautics, and built by Kirby Chambliss, has recently undergone extensive modifications by south African-based, Global Composite Solutions.

It is not only under the cowling that the aircraft has been “souped up”, but more importantly a large number of less visible, aerodynamic tweaks should see Dell able to improve on his 12th place last year. According to Dell, he set modest targets for his first season, and said: “Experience counts hugely, I expect that the pilots who have been racing for four years and more will make up most of the top places with the odd podium being taken by a less experienced RBAR pilot. “My goal is to learn as much as possible in 2008 and be considered a competent Red Bull Air Race pilot with the potential to do well in 2009.”

Some of the more significant modifications to the Edge, include a new blue-printed Lycoming AEIO-540 by Ly-Con, turning a new Hartzell, three bladed composite propeller – a combination that will power the pocket rocket to over 200 knots.

On the aerodynamic side, GCS provided the aircraft with new upswept wingtips, specially designed to improve roll rate and control while literally on the deck between the pylons.

A new cowling was designed to house the engine and lower drag, with the brand new wheel leg fairing and streamlined wheel spats.

Furthermore, the canopy and turtledeck have been remodeled, and the wing fairings reshaped to cut down drag even further on this already slippery machine.

The cockpit features a Dynon engine monitoring system with data logging capabilities, to enable “Team 45” to monitor the health of the hard working engine.

Dynon’s engine monitoring system (EMS) utilizes state-of-the-art technology to continuously monitor all powerplant and aircraft systems in a highly automated manner. The system integrates up to 16 different types of gauges, all in one highly compact design.

Any parameter falling outside its pre-defined limits is automatically brought to the immediate attention of the pilot.

Safety is enhanced twofold, firstly, by reducing the pilot’s workload and secondly be early detection and notification of potential trouble.

Not only does the aircraft feature a new lightweight paint scheme from GCS, it has also had all its fuselage skins remodeled and manufactured at the company’s newly completed premises at Wonderboom Airport, Pretoria.

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