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I just ordered a Comelli CHA 375 parachute in a can system yesterday and will be mounting it above and to the right of the fuel tank. I will probably have to make a cutout in the overhead window but that shouldn't be a problem.
The biggest issue is CG. The system weighs 20 lbs but puts me right aft on the CG. I may have to bolt 5 lbs under the engine!
This is a drawing Chris got from BRS for their system. The Comelli is more compact and will be more forward.
Lets see if I can figure out images... https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lj99g2ru ... net0k&dl=0
Anyway... will post progress. Won't get it for a month.
This will be great. We haven't had anyone document the mounting of an emergency chute, so greatly appreciate you adding it to the forum. Peer found a chute in a soft case at 11 lbs. Have you had any feedback on the difference between the soft or hard case? I also wonder if the FAA would consider the added forward weight you mentioned to deal with CG shift as part of the weight allowance of the chute? I mean you're adding the weight for safety because of the chute, right?
I am looking forward to more info on the chute as well as how you mount it. I am considering one as well, but I am having a hard time wrapping my head around where the mounting straps would need to go (connecting the chute to the fuselage).
LA F2 Flyer wrote: ↑Fri May 03, 2024 3:53 pm
I am looking forward to more info on the chute as well as how you mount it. I am considering one as well, but I am having a hard time wrapping my head around where the mounting straps would need to go (connecting the chute to the fuselage).
I have a drawing Chris had done for a BRS system. The harnessing will be the same. I just don’t know how to make images work on here. I’m missing something. What do I put between the img /img things?
Badland-F5 Pilot wrote: ↑Fri May 03, 2024 6:01 am Have you had any feedback on the difference between the soft or hard case? I also wonder if the FAA would consider the added forward weight you mentioned to deal with CG shift as part of the weight allowance of the chute? I mean you're adding the weight for safety because of the chute, right?
The soft case models we didn’t think would be big enough for the deployment speed and weight.
I don’t think the FAA can complain if I need 5 pounds in the nose in order to keep the CG where needs to be and still be under the weight limits. I think that 5 pounds can be battery and starter if I want!
Hey Tom - I think you need to select the "Attachments" tab below, then upload the image or file by selecting "add files". After that it will prompt you to insert the file into the body of your response (as I recall).
Greetings All!
Things have been rather busy here and I have been negligent in updating everyone on the additions/changes to my F3 Speed.
I had received some messages from a couple of “concerned” individuals about my doors, and "being over Part 103 weight" (wanting to debate if doors count as being removable, blah, blah, blah!). So, rather than risk someone potentially making phone calls to "the authorities" on me, I installed a Comelli Parachute (Cylindrocone KOB PD45) with carbon fiber cylinder. It weighs just over 11 lbs., compared to the BRS that weighs 22 lbs (and Magnum I think is 15 lbs.).
My Comelli Parachute has a 6 ft Bridal and a 6 ft Activation Cable.
Working from the same BRS mock-up image that Tom posted; I added 2 additional nylon Climbing Slings (16mm x 4 ft. Rated at 4,950 lbs each) that are looped around the header bars near the front spars, so as to have 3 points of attachment. The Larger Bridal from Comelli is attached at the fuselage gusset where the shoulder harness bracket is located. The 3 bridals are connected to the chute with a 5,621 lb rated Locking Climbing Carabiner. The bridals are held in place along the frame by light velcro strips so that they can pull apart if the chute is activated. The Activation Cable is secured to the cockpit frame with Grip Lock Ties.
The parachute is activated pneumatically (rather than ballistic or nitroglycerin), so it is lighter than comparable chutes. Comelli chutes come with 2 mounting straps/brackets that I secured to a (~7" × 19") carbon fiber panel directly behind the seat (above the fuel tank). I drilled holes in the carbon fiber panel large enough to insert rubber grommets, that the 7 Grip Lock Ties (rated at 70 lbs each: but are tested at >140 lbs = 980 lbs.) pass through to secure the panel to the fuselage behind the seat.
I trimmed the carbon fiber panel with “faux carbon fiber” auto door edge trim.
My intent of installing the parachute is more in-line with the appearance of complying with FAR Part 103 weight guidelines rather than with any concerns of needing to deploy it in the future (however, it won’t hurt to have it if ever needed!).
So, since I now have the additional weight allowance; I also installed a couple of (REMOVABLE -LOL) Cargo Pods (only weigh 2.5 lbs each) for my bucket list cross-country trip!
I also made a quasi mini "turtle-deck" from Lexan to cover the back “cargo” opening in the event of rain on my travels! The Lexan allows for inspection of the parachute, bridle, harness attachment, etc. It is secured to the frame with 3M “low profile Dual Lock”, making it easy to remove for inspection (and to pop off should the parachute be deployed). The Lexan turtle-deck is trimmed along the sides with transparent auto edge trim, and around the parachute cut-out with the same “faux carbon fiber” edge trim.
The images posted should help with some clarification.
I hope this helps others who may be considering the same options.
This not only looks great guys, but all the info here is greatly appreciated. I'm getting questions that I've had for a long time answered! This is cool stuff!
