The Australian
LightWing DIARY PAGE
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The Australian
LightWing DIARY PAGE |
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT AUSTRALIAN LIGHTWING TODAY?!
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Pictured above, we see Gina fibreglassing the new
body mould for the New SP-2000 and the 'Roadie'... |
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Above, the fluid brake system of the Australian LightWing SPEED Aircraft. |
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Above, Terry and Rod constructing the tail section
for the new Australian LightWing SP-4000 |
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Above, the Australian LightWing joy stick configuration. |
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Above and Below is the two seat LightWing SPEED under construction for our American Customers. Above- fitting the cowl. Below- the aircraft's Rotax 912-s engine, pictured so you can see the carbi-heat manifold system. |
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Above and below, here, we see the Australian LightWing Two Seat SPEED Demonstrator aircraft under construction. The Wings under construction with Mal, and the fuel tanks in the fibreglass room, constructed by Alex. |
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Above, Airgyros first SP-4000 4 seater fuselage with tails fitted. Below, Airgyros 2 seat SP-2000 |
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Snowmans SP-2000 nearing completion |
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Airgyro wings framed up and ready for covering. |
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Snowman's aircraft out of the paint shop |
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The wings pictured above are under construction for George Jennings. Above right is Peter Friths SPEED Cockpit nearing completion. |
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The second ALW SPEED nears completion for Gary Malane. The wheel fairings have been fitted and engine and propellor testing is being carried out this week. |
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Above and Below, Mr Peter Friths SPEED Aircraft under construction. Damian is fitting the exhaust tail pipe. Fitting the interior parts will be the next step, which includes the dashboard, seats and internal covers
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Above, Terry with Mr Jennings SPEED Fuselage, ready to move to the next hangar for the next step of its construction which is fabric covering and fitting the tails. Right, Ben works on the joystick controls of the next 4 Seat KIT SPEED under construction for Mr Andrew Martin. |
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Zac hard at work in the Welding bay, creating a new fuselage for the Australian LightWing SPEED Range. |
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Pictured above is the next Australian LightWing SPEED to leave the factory. This is our first production aircraft to be built. It has been quite a journey reaching this part of our company's story. and we would like to wish a very warm hearted thankyou to all of our customer- past, present and in waiting for your faith and patience in our product. Not only do we love making our aeroplanes, but we strive to engineer them to above current industry standards. The first SP production aircraft (Purchaser: Gary Malane) engine start will be on the 18th of May, 2007. |
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Ryan laying up a window mould for the New Australian LightWing SPEED Range of Aircraft. |
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| Two New LightWing SPEED Aircraft on their way | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Gary Malane's Dashboard approaches completion |
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Pictured Right we see Graeme and Nick applying fabric to the underside of Gary Malane's wing |
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Pictured Right is Grahame, under the wing of the SPEED SP2000, on The SPEED #1, owned by Gary Malane. Grahame is attaching the inboard prefitted under skin on the wing section. The holes have been pre-dimpled for counter sunk rivets. |
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Wayne, pictured above, fitting instruments
to the dash on Gary Malanes SPEED
SP2000. |
Here we see Darren aligning the double
skin composite elevator control surfaces on Gary's SP2000. |
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Aligning the elevator connection rods connection rods to
the joystick. there is also a rear postion control stick mount hole for
added adjustment. |
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SPEED Progress Report ~ Constructing the wing, assembling the wing ribs to spars. |
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University Work Experience Students
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We presently have four
work experience students from Sydney and Adelaide University's working
on our Australian LightWing aircraft design, manufacture and construction.
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Grace Hynd (22) is visiting Australian
LightWing to complete her work experience for a Aerospace Engineering
Degree in Adelaide University . Grace has had a fascination for aircraft
since she was a young girl and hopes to design aircraft. She is now
applied to understanding the practical side of aircraft engineering
to add to her technical knowledge acquired at university. Grace excelled
in Maths and Physics at High School and recieved a TER of 98. She was
initially studying a Commerce Degree, but the pull of the air stretched
her wings to flight!
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The Aerospace Engineering Degree is a specialised branch of Mechanical Engineering. It is concerned with the design, construction, production and maintenance of vehicles and objects intended for use in and beyond the atmosphere. Aerospace Engineering is a growing field with applications in areas as diverse as aircraft, satellites, rockets, space stations and hot air balloons. Aerospace engineers address problems specific to the aerospace industry. These problems relate to how a vehicle moves, how high and how fast it can travel, how it holds together under the forces it experiences and how it is kept on course. Aerospace engineers analyse and solve these problems using their knowledge of mechanics and dynamics, materials and joining methods, thermodynamics, heat transfer, vibrations, guidance, control and modelling techniques. |
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Sonia (21) comes to study with us from the University of New South Wales, Sydney. She originally comes from India, where a passion for Formula 1 Racing began at a young age. This passion brought her to study aerodynamics, as racing teams usually employ aerodynamic engineers to construct the worlds fastest cars. Her lecturer John Page suggested she come to Australain LightWing after she enquired about work experience with a friendly aeronautical company. Sonia aspires to work within the car racing forum, perhaps one day with her favourite team, Ferrari. She is currently focusing on the aerodynamics and design of the six Seater Australian LightWing SPEED. |
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Here we see Clare (University of NSW
- Aerospace Engineering), shaping the concept design model for the
6 seat twin engine.
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Pictured above is Alex (University
of NSW -Aerospace Engineering) manufacturing a test bed to structurally
test composite sections for the 2, 4 and 6 seater Australian LightWing.
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Pictured Right we see Howard with
Grace (University of Adelaide - Aerospace Engineering) and Sonia (University
of NSW - Aerospace Engineering) explaining how to design and flap and
aileron actuator push rods and control surface actuators.
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The shape of things to come... Tthe SP-6000 4 or 6 seater will initially be powered by two Rotax 914's the project will progress over the next 2 years and will fly in 2008 or early 2009. The aircraft will be available as an experimental home builders kit. In the near future, we plan to make space available for the home builder with a comprehensive builder advice and assist program along side our factory at Ballina Airport and also at the facilities of our newly appointed US distributor. |
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Watch this space for further details
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| SPEED Progress Report | ||
This is the first
photo looking up at our new interior. The hood lining comes in 2 parts,
forward above the pilots head and down the windscreen mullions and
rear around the rear baggage area in the 2 seat SP-2000 and around
the rear seats in the SP-4000. The composite moldings are lined with
automotive style hood lining which will insulate against heat and sound
and provide a brilliant and sleek appearance. The interior will accommodate
pilots up to 6'3" to 6'4" tall. The aircraft's electrical
switches, the hour meter and fuses are located above the pilots head
(to the right) in a neat console in the center of the aircraft, the
recessed console can just be seen at the top of the photo. |
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Inside the cabin roof
or between the inner and outer skin is the pilot protection cage that
will keep the airframe rigid in a rollover. No one wants to talk about
accidents or even a roll over but if it happens, we want you to be
protected, also, big clear bubble like canopies are great for a short
time but be sure to book your place at the skin cancer clinic when
you land ! There is nothing like a roof over your head and in the rain,
the SP-2000 and -4000 gull-wing doors help keep the rain off as you
enter or exit the cockpit. There are many other reasons why we chose
not to have a bubble style canopy but occupant safety is by far the
main one.
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Shown below, the first shots of the first production SP-2000 owned by Garry Malane. Garry hails from Sydney and will act as a freelance agent with his aircraft when is complete. Actually, the first SP-2000 was ordered by Hart boys from Canberra but this aircraft is now scheduled to roll out later in 07 so Garry takes over the first production aircraft. |
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This shot shows our new
shaped tail and rudder, what it doesn't show is the thousands of hours
that have gone into the tooling and manufacturing equipment used on
the production aircraft. We thought that the equipment we used to produce
the prototype could be used to produce the aircraft... WRONG !! nearly
every tool, mold or jig has been re-invented to improve accuracy, fit
and appearance. The blue rails on the wing are a part of the jig used
to make and fit the wings to the fuselage.
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Proof Load testing the SPEED Main Spar. Engineer Bob Llewellyn, Manufacturer: Hughes Engineering |
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Fully moulded composite monocoque
occupant seats
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12th October 2006
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(above) Alex manufacturing the spars.
Mixed mode E Glass and toughened resin system empennage.
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Customised seat monocoque
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(above) Zack, welding the rear tail
fuselage
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(above) cleaning the SPEED body mould
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(above)... Mick has started his own home business based on our products and hes manufacturing some of our smaller components including the SPEED wheel fairings, in his newly established factory. Pictured with Howie assessing the new 8" Matco Disk Brakes. |
| Traditionally Hughes Engineering has stayed with drum brakes but disk brakes are tow operated and will be individually adjustable. | |
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Above, Alex making the rear wing spars
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Mal making the main wing spars
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Here we see the SPEED mould that will be used to make the fuselage. It is being constructed in two halves. |
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(left) The Australian LightWing SPEED is being fitted with its new Engine - The 115 Horsepower Turbo Rotax 914. We fitted the 914 Turbo Charged Rotax engine, with which we’re hoping for a performance in excess of 130 knots at 10,000 feet. Greatly enhancing the aircrafts ability to fly high and clear terrain. We’ve also extended the length of the aircraft by 8 centimeters which will increase the range of the centre of gravity allowing the aircraft to carry either a third person if its registered experimental or allow extra baggage to be carried in the rear seat. |
The 2nd Australian LightWing SPEED - currently under Construction The new aircraft has greatly increased
volume in the rear seat providing additional comfort for the rear
passengers also it has a variety of other features including extended
belly making construction easier for the homebuilder and a sleek
interior automotive style lining is well under way which will greatly
enhance the interior appearance of the aircraft.Manufacturing accuracy
down to the millimeter, a plus or minus millimeter in tolerance of
the new body for the SPEED 2 or 4 light place aircraft.
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Meet Wayne Dwyer and also Wayne King our Flying School's CFI, now don't get confused, we have two Waynes !! Wayne Dwyer is our new flying school instructor, new Wayne is on the left old Wayne is on right |
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Current Construction of the Australian LightWing GR 912 T is well under way. Mal working on the new plane for John Costello engines now fitted, interior being fitted out with the completion date late March. |
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| Why the Rotax 914 and in-flight adjustable
prop ? you may well ask .... The SPEED is
to be our flagship for the next few years so we want the best of the
best. The Rotax turbo will permit a cruise altitude of over 10,000 ft
and this means added safety. If you are crossing the Great Dividing range
at 10,000 ft it is a far safer process at this height. We are looking forward to a cruise of 130 kts with this combination but also we are looking for a fuel burn of 20l per hour also, this is economical in our opinion. Watch this space for details of flight testing expected to begin late Feb 06. Also as perhaps you can see, we have moved the engine about 8 cm further forward and this will permit the carriage of a light passenger in the rear seat making the aircraft a 3 seater. Up to 60 kg can now be carried in an Experimentally registered SPEED 3 seater fitted with this engine and prop. We call this aircraft the SP-3000. Shown below the SPEED fuse and body coming together. |
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The first 2 seat kit
SP-2000 aircraft has been purchased by our newly appointed agents in
Canberra, Justine Kok and and Ben Hart. These 2 guys are
keen to promote our range in the Canberra and the southern NSW region.
Justin and Ben are not from the established GA scene and they are taking
a totally new look at retail marketing in Australian aviation. They
both see the LightWing range in general and the SPEED range of 2. 3
and 4 place aircraft in particular, as presenting a real opportunity
to make a name in the exciting world of Australian light aviation.
Watch this space as their story unfolds.
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Hi all!
From the LightWing team, a Happy Christmas and a great New Year. 2005 was brilliant for us, we achieved all our objectives with little drama, no accidents and our owners have had only minor mishaps as indicated by our spares and repairs sales, and that’s how we like it ! |
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| The SPEED is still undergoing flight
trials and as soon as the LSA category is introduced we will be going
for an approval to operate under these new and innovative regulations. With the first sale of the SPEED and a new GR-912-T to be delivered early in 06, we are off to a flying start for the new year and we hope to catch up with you at the Great Eastern Fly Inn at Evans Head over the break. The objectives for the new year are: Firstly, to consolidate the position of the LightWing range including the SPEED as an all Australian alternative to imported kites both as a fully built and kit built aircraft. Secondly, we want to establish and expand the concept of ALW flying school franchises and LightWing sales outlets. With our first franchise in North QLD and the second in Canberra, we have great hopes for this long overdue concept. |
| It make me chuckle when I look at the Cirrus and Javelin web pages, for those that are not familiar with these aircraft, the Cirrus 4 seat composite is made in the USA as is the twin turbine Javelin (looks like an FA18 on a diet), the laughing bit comes when I compare the size of the staff, financial resources and backup these companies have compared to our small team yet I am happy and confident that our product will soon compare favorably to these US giants. Sure we may be about 20% slower than the Cirrus but hey, we are well under 1⁄4 of the price !! The Javelin team lists so many staff with 30 letters after their names that they would fill a small phone book ! |
| In general terms and from a small band of dedicated staff,
we have produced a great result, and its with great pride that I see
the existing range of our high wing aircraft, the GR-912-S and GR-912
ST are still selling well, this is a clear indication that the Aussie
recreational pilot still appreciates good value in a safe strong Aussie
made product that we export making a positive contribution
to our national balance of trade. Our Glass cockpit is nearing completion and will be on the market early in 06, this is a brilliant safety accessory for any aircraft. Through 2006, we will be promoting the fact that we do a lot more than just sell safe strong value for money aircraft, we also teach flying, service repair and refurbish our aircraft, provide friendly backup service and above all else, we are proudly Australian in every aspect of our business activities. Thanks everyone for your support and we look forward to a great 2006. Howie and Nick Hughes, Terry, Mal and Andy, Brian and Shelly. |
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Above and right, the first production SPEED fuselage is partly completed, this first kit aircraft has been sold to our Canberra based resellers, watch this space for additional details, note some of the subtle improvements and changes compared to the first SPEED prototype. Its this welded steel safety cage that will protect the occupants in the event of a mishap |
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November 2005
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Check out this beautiful new paint job on the latest LightWing GR 912 S to leave the factory The owner suggested orange pink and yellow as a paint scheme. Lively isn't it!!?? |
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Whats Happening at Hughes Engineering Today?
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Stop Press !!! We heard from our consulting engineer Bob Llewellyn, that the Light Sport Aircraft or LSA category is to be introduced before the end of the year, this may mean the availability of the SPEED as a factory built aircraft will be available for flight training in the New Year !! Also we will be permitted under this new category, to produce non-commercial SPEED 2 seat aircraft, that is to say that we will be able to assemble your kit for you in a category where you are responsible for the aircraft and its maintenance but flight training is not permitted in that aircraft i.e. its registration will be RAA-us -19. or Exerimental-VH. |
3 good reasons......
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| On my return trip from Wagga recently, I departed Mudgee at about 9 am and I was back in Ballina for lunch at 1.00pm thats not too bad considering I stopped in Cessnock and punched a headwind all the way up the coast. See the end of this section for details of how the Glass Cockpit assisted in the trip. |
Day To
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20th
September 2005
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Top Left~ Terry welding up a LightWing
Frame. Above~ a new SPEED Engine cowl on the way. Left ~ A new GR
912s gets its dash and readied for a windscreen.
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Day To Day
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8th August 2005
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Today: View the GR-912s, under construction in the Hughes Group Factory.
Above: The Fuselage after abrasive blasting. Below: the fuselage being painted with the zinc phospate epoxy primer for rust prevention. |
Above: The Wings have been green and silver doped for sealing and UV protection. They have been sanded and awaiting grey primer tomorrow morning. |
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Above: Terry, fitting the aerodynamic wheel spats to the SPEED. |
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Day To
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20th
July 2005
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Today we are happily flying our NEW SPEED
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Don't forget we have a wonderful
video page, with the SPEED flying and past updates of constructing
asnd designing the aircraft
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30th May 2005 - - - Paint Job on the SPEED! The SPEED was painted cream earlier in the week and today recieved maroon highlights! Beautiful! |
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27th May 2005 The Golden stripe is added to the SPEED |
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| 18th May 2005 - - - - - - - - - | And what
a very busy day at Hughes Group it is today!
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Connecting and constructing
the Cover for the Control wires to the tail, by Terry.
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Fixing the fairing and the windscreen
surround strip, by Wayne.
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Engine NACA Vent been fitted to provide
cockpit ventilation.
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Day To
Day
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The Spinner plate is now fully fitted.
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The completed and sleek rear interior
lining, completed by Mal.
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Day
To Day 13th May 2005
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Left: The LightWing Speed Today, May 13th 05, Proudly dressed up for a photo! Below Left: The Interior being fitted, final touches being added to the side panels. |
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Left: The tail section nearing completion. Above: The Glass Cockpit installed and beautiful! |
Day To Day Report
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15th April 2005 | |
We are very proud today
to share with you our heat activated acrylic windows. Its hard to
convey just how truely beautiful they are, but we'll update you more
as each window is completed!
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Day
To Day!
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17/3/05
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SPEED Nearing Completion Footage 576 KBs
The SPEED today, wings covered, tail and door attached. |
Nick, working on the Glass Cockpit |
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Mal sanding the wings |
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Day to Day - Diary - Tuesday 1/3/2005 |
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