Flitzer Sport Flying Association


Simon Randle's Flitzer Z-2 Schwalbe


October 9, 2020

Here are four views of the fuselage covered with Oratex. The lower wing stubs have been finished in silver to match the wings.



September 9, 2020

Here are two views of the fuselage bottom covered with Oratex. The lower wing stubs will be finished in silver to match the wings.




February 13, 2019

Here are some views of the instrument cluster for the aft cockpit.





May 5, 2008 - Z-2 Progress

Group,

Here's the first issued photographs of Simon Randle's Z-2 prototype fin and rudder. The plywood gussetting is yet to be added. This has the look of a true 'vintage' fin and rudder.

Note that the fin/rudder will appear lower profiled with the rudder hinge gap included, ditto the tailplane and elevator. Simon has waited a long time to start this project and made sure all his 'ducks were in a row' with LAA Engineering before commencing.

Now there's no holding him! :0)

Well done Simon!

Lynn




August 6, 2008 - Z-2 Schwalbe progresses

Group,

Here is an encouraging picture of the Flitzer Z-2 Schwalbe progessing in the UK.

Simon has now completed the two fuselage sides apart from some blocking and of course ply-sheeting in the forward area which will no doubt be glued in place once the frame is assembled. However, like the Z-21 there is much internal ply to be added in the nose bay and cockpit area before assembly.

The simpler starboard fuselage side is seen near to the lens with the port side on the bench. Note the greater complexity of that structure to provide for the breached longeron. Some ribs may also be seen on the bench. Simon has also structurally completed the tail unit.

Apart from the Goblin, which has the same general curves and 3/4" square longeron cross-sections, the Z-2 differs from most of the single-seaters by its greater length and a curved longeron line which flows downwards at the nose by way of laminations. There is also a slight rising curve to the forward lower longeron as well. The Z-3 Falke and F.2 Tiger also use 3/4" x 3/4" longeron sections but they maintain the standard, regular box-section at the front end. The dual curve on the Z-2 was intended to flow into the usual bullet-nose for a flat-four installation. However the choice of an R2800 radial for the prototype will alter the nose contour somewhat.

The next step, Simon says, is to build the main and secondary carry-thro's which extend 12" outboard of the fuselage to provide a flat centre-section and ply-covered wing walk. This lower centre-section matches exactly the upper, so that upper and lower wing panels are the same span and the splayed-out cabane struts provide more space for cockpit ingress.

Lynn



February 12, 2009 - Schwalbe

Group,

Here's one of several shots of the trial fit for elevator cabling in the tailbay of the Z-2 Schwalbe being built in the UK by Simon Randle.

The heavy cross-section of timber above the longeron is a temporary device to represent the tailplane spar and TP thickness. The skeg 'header' is just visible to the lower right. This provides support for the plywood sides of the external skid support. There are numerous slight adjustments that may be made to ensure clearances for the cables in proximity to the structure, including the position of the splitter-plates which divide the elevator cables into upper and lower pairs and which can influence the final cable angles to the elevator horns.

Lynn


September 23, 2009 - Northern Regional Meeting, FlitzerSportflugVerein

Group,

Herewith, courtesy of Chips Von Schmirk, is the first assembled view of the basic Z-2 Schwalbe fuselage with the tailgroup attached. Though the reduced image doesn't do it justice, the robustness of the design comes over well in this view, I believe, as well as its vintage appearance. The prototype is being built in the UK by Simon Randle and Chips and Chris Bobka visited him today.

Well done Simon. Chris delivered more steel tubing on this visit so the Z-2 undercarriage will be following soon. :0)

Lynn

Kessler,

As commanded by your good Self, herewith find appended pictorial evidence of the true existence of the fabled and mysterious Z2, in darkest West Yorkshire! The Culprit was tracked down and trapped in his Lair by myself, aided by trusty Agent Bobkat, and many views were aired and exchanged. It was noted that the exchanges became more convivial with every new feature explored and discussed. The general feeling gained was of a substantial airframe,excellent construction, and an exciting comparison with the Wiltshire edition. Surprised by a wonderful lunch, Bobkat and I were put off guard, and continued our investigations in the workshop, suitably indulged.

This will be an impressive aeroplane, and with two seats!!!! Wow!

Chips von Schmirk


Here is an internal shot from the firewall looking aft. It shows the removable passenger seat and the seat back with the cutaways for the pilot's legs. The hole for the split-bearing for the torque-tube is visible with a slot for the elevator cable's arc of travel. The rear flying wire carry-through strap will pass through the fuselage above the lower mainspar carry-through, via the visible slots each side. The carry-throughs extend 12" each side, ie. outside the fuselage, to form cantilevered wing walks on the inner wings to match the upper centre-section span.

The breached fuselage side with the substantial additional stiffening, skinned with 2.0 mm ply for the passenger door, is visible to the right while through the lightening hole in the seat back the pulley 'V' frame can be seen with the internal skid support (skeg) and ply diaphragm beyond.



September 25, 2009 - Simon Randle Project

Here's some new photos supplied by Chris Bobka: