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Post by Gavin Conroy on Jan 27, 2008 7:40:47 GMT 12
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Post by flyjoe180 on Jan 27, 2008 10:21:18 GMT 12
Great photos Gavin, that GP4 looks sleek and I like the scheme it wears. There was a time not so long ago when retractable gear was thought to be too heavy and maintenance intensive, but it appears folding wheels are now part and parcel of a lot of modern designs. The Wilga: still ugly, but very useful.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 30, 2008 10:58:24 GMT 12
Wow, that GP4 is an unusual machine, looks really neat. It reminds me of those 1930's cartoon planes in adventure books and comics. I'll bet it's a pretty fast little machine. Great photos mate.
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Post by yak2 on Jan 30, 2008 11:37:54 GMT 12
Why does everyone pick on the Wilga? Owned one (VH-PZZ) for 6 years and it was a great aircraft. We were approaching Essendon Airport one day, when another aircraft asked ATC what a Wilga was. "Bit like a Polish chook house" replied the man in the tower. You can imagine what my callsign was after that.
GP4. Impressive belly scoop.....presumably watercooled?
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Post by corsair67 on Jan 30, 2008 11:41:53 GMT 12
I think the Wilga is a really interesting aircraft, and I've always heard they can some pretty remarkable things that would put even a helicopter to shame.
What was the idea behind the design anyway: military observation?
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Post by Bruce on Jan 30, 2008 12:05:29 GMT 12
The GP4 here has a 6 cylinder Subaru, water cooled, hence the belly scoop. This is a beautifully crafted machine, I was very impressed when I had a close look at it at Ashburton last year.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 30, 2008 13:29:39 GMT 12
I reckon the Wilga is bonza! I used to love watching the Police's one operating from Wigram, and I recall it was a hit at one of the big Wings and Wheels shows there, 1992 or 1993.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Jan 30, 2008 20:20:44 GMT 12
What was the idea behind the design anyway: military observation? Patrolling the Iron Curtain - just in case any of the freedom loving proletariat were misguided enough to make a dash from the workers paradise to the hell-hole of the decadent West. |
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Post by yak2 on Jan 30, 2008 22:31:35 GMT 12
Original role was communication, aerial recce, photography (mine had a camera hatch), ambulance, parachuting and glider towing. Most I have seen have a factory tow hook. Could also operate off ski's, which incorporated brake 'blades' actuated by the standard toe pedals. They were also approved for operation with the doors removed, which would have been rather drafty even at 80 knots. Standard club aircraft in eastern Europe, and routinely won the world light aircraft championships apparently. Powered by a Kalisz (spelling ?) which was a licence built Vedeneyev M14 as fitted to the Yak52 etc., but derated to 260HP. Interesting comparison. Really smooth running engine in the Wilga, but vibrated a lot in the 52. I understand the large mufflers meant they could operate safely in avalanche prone areas.
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Post by yak2 on Jan 30, 2008 22:36:15 GMT 12
GP4. Thanks Bruce. What HP is the Suby?
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Post by flyjoe180 on Feb 2, 2008 13:57:37 GMT 12
I've seen pictures of Wilgas powered by a Lycoming O-540, gives the aircraft a different look thats for sure.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Feb 2, 2008 13:59:08 GMT 12
Heres one. Looks almost western   |
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