Goodies and Gadgets - March 2013

Positive Data Continue to Accumulate for Tamarack’s Active WingletsTamarack Aerospace Group (TAG) continues to show significant performance and efficiency gains on a CitationJet equipped with Active Winglets according to flight test data. In a number of flights starting at gross weight (10,400 pounds), the Tamarack test CJ has beaten the published times for climbing to 41,000-feet by significant margins.The most recent flight from Dallas to Jackson Hole (a distance of 1,100 nm) used 2,400 pounds of fuel. Starting at gross weight, an unmodified CJ would have burned 2,700 pounds of fuel. Practically speaking, the flight would have required one re-fueling stop, taken an extra hour to reach the destination, and burned close to 3,200 pounds of fuel. The ability to make the flight non-stop saved close to 800 pounds of fuel under realistic operating conditions that included 50-knot headwinds.TAG has observed similar savings on several other flights, validating the potential for significant fuel savings with Active Winglets. These are preliminary results with a prototype aircraft on which the Active Winglets are still being optimized.Active Winglet kits are expected to be available for the Cirrus SR22 this spring and for the CitationJet in 2014. For more information, visit www.Tamarack Aero.com.AeroLEDs Introduces the SunSpot 46 LanAeroLEDs has developed a larger, more powerful light that can be used for landing, recognition and taxi purposes. Though it only consumes 70 watts maximum in power, the SunSpot produces 120,000 candela.The larger SunSpots are available in two models, the 46 HX and 46 LX. Both lights have screw terminals that can be connected in either polarity for steady on light, and the HX has three additional wires that support a built-in pulse mode that can be set up for individual pulsing or synchronized with other lights for wig-wag. The weight, 11 oz and dimensions, 5.6” diameter X 1.7” depth, of the SunSpot 46 are no greater than the legacy lights they replace. As with all AeroLEDs, SunSpots have a rated life of 50,000 hours and will withstand temperatures of -55°C to +70°C. Both versions of the SunSpot can operate on 14VDC or 28VDC systems.The SunSpot 46 LX sells for $650, and the 46 HX is priced at $750. At this time, they can be installed in Experimental aircraft, special use aircraft and LSAs. A PMA for certified aircraft is expected this summer. For further information visit www.AeroLEDs.com.