Fun and Easy to Fly

The SC-07 Speed Cruiser is a high-end ultralight sport aircraft from B.O.T. Aircraft – one designed by pilots for pilots to be fun and easy to fly, while offering excellent performance in the air.

With an empty weight of less than 650 lb and speeds possible up to 155mph, the aircraft has received a multitude of praise since its launch, and has been described as an ultralight that has been “designed for the future.”

With a fuselage constructed almost entirely from carbon fiber composites, the design team’s sharp eye for detail meant that they would only integrate lightweight components that conformed to the highest standards of reliability.

Each type of bearing used is made from high-performance, self-lubricating tribo-optimized polymers, which are wear resistant, maintenance free, and easy to install. Each bearing is also heavy duty yet extremely lightweight – and, when it comes to ultralights, every pound counts.

Igus’ lightweight yet highly durable igubal KFSM self-aligning flange bearings and iglide plain bearings absorb the high shear forces that occur during landing in the aircraft’s suspension – while the company’s igubal KBRM rod ends help to orchestrate the steering system.

Because they are made of high-performance plastics, igubal spherical bearings are lubrication-free and completely resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and other contaminants that can hinder performance such as dirt and dust. Igubal’s polymer design also enables the bearing to deliver excellent vibration damping and reduces its weight by 80% when compared to steel. This lightweight option was ideal in B.O.T.’s design of the SC-07 Speed Cruiser.

Its igubal flange bearings used were designed for mounting with two or four bolts. The two-hole types are provided with elongated holes, which allow a problem-free adjustment. An exact positioning of the bearing housing is not necessary, since the spherical ball compensates for alignment errors. In the igubal K series, the spherical ball is made from igus’ extremely wear-resistant iglide L280 plastic. Spherical balls made from this material are known for their low coefficient of friction while running dry and extremely low tendency to stick-slip, making them a natural fit inside the aircraft.
 

The load capacity of igubal self-aligning bearings is high at normal ambient temperatures, and igubal bearings absorb high forces and at the same time weigh only a fifth of traditional metal bearing housings. The excellent dampening properties are based on the fact that the plastic material of the two-part bearing can absorb vibrations differently than steel.

Each ultralight is also equipped with a parachute system in case of emergency that uses maintenance-fee igubal KSTM pillow block bearings. Meanwhile, igubal EFSM flange bearings support the spindle motor of a drive shaft that operates the aircraft’s flaps.

The control stick used for transverse and longitudinal inclines is adjusted thanks to an igubal ESTM pillow block – and several different types of igus bearing are used in the combined throttle and brake lever. This was an important factor in the design considerations to compensate for possible misalignment issues.

The configuration of the steel rod end bearing causes it to rotate with both the shaft and ball against the housing, and compensate for angular deviations by positioning the ball against the housing. In comparison, the plastic rod end bearing rotates differently – with the shaft against the ball. Like steel rod ends, igubal plastic rod ends also compensate for angular deviations by situating the ball against the housing. Specifically, igubal plastic rod ends from igus are suited for rotating or linear applications where the rod end’s spherical ball needs to move slightly to compensate for shaft misalignment.

Uses for igus’ high-performance plastics don’t stop there. The carbon-reinforced fuselage has several cutouts that allow the elevator, rudder, and emergency parachute rescue system to operate properly. To combat the carbon fiber’s sharp edges, composite bushings made from igus’ self-lubricating iglide J material are pressed in to ensure optimum wear-resistant guidance for each part.

The SC-07 Speed Cruiser has survived demanding stress and vibration tests and isn’t as expensive as you might think. A Speed Cruiser will set you back around $100,000, but the sport aircraft can also be chartered for less than $2,000 per month.

igus Inc.
East Providence, R.I.
www.igus.com

About the author: Nicole Lang is the iglide bearings product manager at igus and can be contacted at nlang@igus.com.