Monocoque Update

We've now completed fitting the skins and primary stringers to the mono section and have moved on to the busy forward section of the monocoque. This is the "fairing" area forward of frame "A".

Frame “A” is to the right, the left side is forward.

While this section of the fuselage measures just under 20% of the monocoque structure, it is unlike the remainder of the monocoque due to being filled with many accessories. These include the downward identification light, flare door, two antennas, integrating structure skin reliefs, retractable footstep, footstep box, hand-hole door, wireless door and frame, and the canopy release gear doublers (the area also contains the canopy rail housings but these won't be cut until we complete the cockpit section to verify correct alignment).

A view looking outboard on the starboard side, cut-outs for the footstep box and hand hole can be seen.

In addition to these features, the stringer sections do not pass through Frame “A”, meaning that individual segments needed to be made and located for each forward continuation. With this work complete, we are now moving onto the interesting smaller assemblies that will be fitted to this section as mentioned above.

All of these smaller bits have required quite a bit of research and verification even though several of the drawings exist, my Father (Bruce) is steaming along ahead of my progress with he design work to ensure historic accuracy of JP843. I will make updates as I can to show you the progress.