Now, 10 years after the STORM revolution began, the history of unparalleled innovation, and the heritage of best-setting performance continues with the STORM RG. The STORM RG represents the culmination of more than a decade of research, testing and invaluable input from STORM builders and fliers. Redesigned from the tail forward, it’s fast and easy to build.
Fin Design
The fin had to perform up to the tremendous top speeds that pilots expect from STORM aircraft. However, a higher emphasis was placed on low speed handling. To keep area to a minimum, the fin has a unique double taper to maximize the lift distribution from root to tip. This also allowed us to eliminate all « washout » which can compromise efficiency. This new airfoil creates extensive laminar flow across more than 50% of the surface. The low-drag laminar « bucket » is also wider than before, further increasing overall performance. The result is very carefully « tuned » fin design, which enhances overall aircraft performance.
We are very pleased that the new STORM RG fin exceeds all expectations, with lower stall speed; better roll rate, improved low speed handling and higher top speeds. Ultra-high-speed cruise, comfortable control stick forces are the result of an intense design process.
At the other end of the performance spectrum, the STORM RG’s low-speed roll control is nothing short of remarkable, and the stall behaviour is « straight ahead. » The addition of simplified Fowler flaps further increases the wing’s maximum lift coefficient to enhance this low speed handling. This translates into the safety of slower approaches and shorter landing distances.
Retractable Gear
The main landing gear is made by two supporting beams hinged around the end of two metal leaf springs house inside the fuselage. This arrangement still allows, in a retractable gear, the use of the spring leaf for the landing shock absorption, preserving therefore all this advantage (simplicity, reliability, maintainability). The main legs are simply rotate by two pneumatic actuators.
The front wheel is integrated with a high efficient oleo-pneumatic shock absorber. The steering and the braking system are unchanged. When the landing gear is down the torque-arms are mechanically blocked, preventing the rotation unless driven by the actuators. An electrical compressor gives the necessary pressure to the pneumatic system headed up by two spherical tanks. One tanks gives the necessary compressed air in case of system failure. In any case the gravity assures the landing gear extension. The panel indicators (up-and-locked, down-and-locked) comply with FAR requirements.