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The biggest hurdle in the
development of the Tip-Up panel was related to the mounting of the
frame to the airplane, so that the panel plates could be installed and removed
at will, while keeping the panel frame in-place. Also, a suitable location
of the avionics center stack vertical rails had to be decided upon, prior to finalizing
the design.
With these challenges in mind, we studied many photos of completed RVs with
Tip-Up canopies. We wanted to figure out if there was somewhat of a standard layout
preferred by most tipper builders.
Our research revealed that the
location of the F-745-L gave little choice as to the location of the primary flight instruments.
Most, if not all, exhibited a layout which included the airspeed indicator and the artificial horizon located to the
left of the F-745-L rib. Furthermore, builders with full radio stacks seemed to
prefer the space available between the F-745-R and the canopy release mechanism
as to their chosen stack location.
Take a look at the photo of the instrument panel below.
We
believe the layout of this panel is well thought out and deserves a lot of
praise for managing to make the most use out of the space available.
(Photo
Courtesy of Doug Reeves)
(Click Image to
Enlarge)
We wanted the Modular Panel to allow builders to accommodate most options
available, and we think the compromises we have made will allow anyone to do so.
We confirmed this by spending sometime laying out multiple panel configurations,
and have posted some of these on our
Panel Layout page for builders to review
against their conceptual layouts. We know our panel design will not
satisfy the needs of every builder. Nevertheless, as builders begin their
preliminary panel layouts, they will encounter the same issues we did and agree
our panel design makes a lot of sense.
Just as in our Slider Panel,
the Tip-Up Panel will allow for the installation of our Sub-Panel and Vent
Plates option, which we now offer drilled to match Van's plastic vents, or blank
to allow builders to install any size aluminum ventilator of their choice. Our popular Filler Pieces will be offered as
well.
Here is a look of the panel:
(Click Image to
Enlarge)
First thing you will notice is that the screws that mount the stock panel to the
F-745-L&R are not shown. This is due to the fact that the panel frame is mounted
to the ribs using countersunk screws, allowing the panel plates to sit flush
against the frame. Also, the installation of the Van's stock panel calls for
fabricating and installing the F-703B angle. The Modular Panel frame will be
installed the same way; however, the rivets that mount the angle to the frame
will not be visible since the panel plates will cover the frame.
Below are some images of the Tipper frame:
(Click Image to
Enlarge)
The next image shows the frame with the outline of the F-745 L&R, and avionics support angles,
highlighted in
green.
(Click Image to
Enlarge)
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