BVM F-86 (80) Functional Landing Lights

****Check back in a few weeks these may change, but it outlines the basic process.****

Unfortunately I do not have photos for each step.  Be sure to examine all photos before attempting this project.  Make sure you understand what is being done and why.  If you have any questions, ask.  Buesched@uwplatt.edu

• Cut out the disks on the large circles.  Use the scribed panel lines as a guide.  Use a knife, razor saw or small dental cutter in a dremel to make a narrow cut.  Make some reference marks to keep them oriented properly.
• Determine the size of the lens you will be using.  Cut out the center of the removed disks to fit the lenses tightly. 

Note:  Paul Hopkins sells a complete set of high intensity light sets that include lenses, LEDs, mirror finish reflectors, battery, and switches. 

• Trim 2 BVM offset hinges as shown.

The smaller arrow points to the "face"

• Prepare a length of braided gold wire to 3.25 inches.  Glue the two trimmed BVM offset hinges onto the braided cable centered as shown.  They are spaced just over 2 inches apart when measured on the inside at the braided cable.  Be sure to include two of the mounts between the offset hinges.  The face of the hinges should be on the same plane (no twist).

• Hold this assembly in the fuselage, align the trimmed part of the hinge close to the front edge of the hole.  Not too close or it will bind when opened.  Tack glue, one side at a time, the two mounts to temporarily hold the hinges in place.
• Drill through the fuse and CF hinge mounts and add 4 poly ply screws.  Make sure the hinges work freely when actuated from the airplane's left side.  You may wish to make these permanent, if so just glue the mounts in place when satisfied with the fit.

• Make some poly ply rings (tabs would work too) to act as motion limiters.  Glue these to the inside of the fuse concentric to the hole opening.  These will not go all the way around the hole, clearance will have to be made for the hinge mounts and the wood former.

• Tack glue the rings made in the first two steps to the trimmed CF hinge faces.
• Drill a hole as shown through these two formers as shown.  Install a length of plastic outer nylon tube as shown, trim to length as desired.  Solder a clevis to the gold braided cable and place into the installed nylon tube.

• Mount a 1-5/8 BVM air cylinder as shown.  Slide a wheel collar onto the air cylinder shaft.  This is used to limit the travel of the air cylinder.  

• Connect air cylinder to the braided cable with a ***** BVM part number ####  (not completed yet so no photo)
• Mount a micro switch close to the end of the air cylinder so the switch is activated by the air cylinder in it's extreme extended  position.  Wire the switch to turn on the lights when they are in the down position. (duh)
• Plumb air cylinder into the speed brake air system.  This will make the landing lights function with the speed brakes.  You could also put them on the gear if you desire, or another channel if available.

Miscellaneous photos:

		Here is a pic of the flexible motion transfer arm.
This is when the light is on.	The unit is held in place with 4 poly ply screws.  I may leave it this way or glue it in once the finish is being applied.

Push rod installed

Two holes needed to be drilled.

This is the approximate location of the air cylinder.

Send mail to Dustin@DustinBuescher.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: November 11, 2006