Cameron & Sons Aircraft

T-6 / SNJ / Harvard

BACKGROUND / WHY T-6 
Cameron and Sons manufacturers a Full Size all Graphite Reproduction of the P-51 Mustang.  This aircraft is available in either kit form, or built to specifications. We have begun to build  T-6/SNJ/Harvard reproduction parts. The concepts behind these parts are as follows: to  reduce drag, eliminate corrosion, improve performance, reduce part count and reduce weight. 

MOLDS, MASTERS AND PARTS: To date we have completed $86,000 worth of 
hi-temp, 28 laminate graphite epoxy molds. These molds are capable of producing elevated cured graphite parts that are dimensionally stable. These molds are not to be confused with polyester fiberglass, which are a fraction of the cost and do not remain dimensionally stable.   All parts have been mastered using 21 laminates of graphite/epoxy isentropically orientation.   Our replacement parts are a graphite/fiberglass epoxy material. 

Stabilizer Fillet 1 piece, not 3! This will allow you to put fewer holes in the. cover panel.

DRAG: As we all know drag on an aircraft is induced in many ways. The obvious is through irregular surfaces (highs, lows, dips, etc.). Rivets are among the worst. Not only the rivet itself, but also the dirt pattern that builds almost immediately after cleaning. Rivets and irregular surfaces have been eliminated on our parts. Keeping the surface smooth and cleaning is immensely easier. 

Stabilizer Fillet 1 piece, vs. 2.

CORROSION: Corrosion is a phenomenon that can not be eliminated in metal, and aluminum is among the worst. It is second only to magnesium. Inner granular corrosion in spars and longerons is what causes some P-51 to be worth $700,000.00 and some worth 1.1 to 1.3 million (new spars, longerons, etc.) Fact: No amount of anodizing or Zinc Chromate will prevent this phenomenon. Composite parts do not suffer this fate. Paint adheres and will last many years longer on a composite part verses an aluminum part. 

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE: This comes from several factors. 1) A dramatic reduction in drag. 2) A reduction of 20 to 50% in weight. In the case of our composite P-51, part for part (i.e. wing, stabilizer, and fuselage) are half the weight of the metal part. Our gross weight is also half the weight of the standard P-51D and at the same time increasing G-loading between 10 to 12G. 

Stabilizer Fillet 3 piece, vs. 7 pieces. With this part you are able to use fewer fasteners to hold to the aircraft.

PART COUNT: Part counts is the #1 thrust of the aircraft industry today. Boeing was proud to announce on the new B737-800, a 40% part counts reduction over the original B737.  Boeing and NASA have also spent 35 to 50 million dollars on development of a one piece all graphite airliner size wing. Our P-51 is constructed in 12 major parts, which means quicker and easier assembly and a far superior load path-carrying capabilities. In terms of our T-6 parts: the wing attach covers, instead of being 8 parts, are 2. AFT of the rear canopy is 1 part verses 3 parts. The wing to body fairing is reduced from 4 parts to 1 part. This means, the fewer the joint seams, the stronger the part. Less seams also helps keep water and moisture from getting into the aircraft, thus reducing internal corrosion. 

AFT Deck Cover 1 piece verses 3 pieces.  Fewer fasteners and lighter Baggage Doors,  both configurations are available.

Keeping a composite airplane or airplane part clean and smooth verses cleaning a metal airplane, is like the difference between flying a tail wheel verses a conventional gear aircraft. 

As you know when the T-6 was built, there were many compromising considerations. One was the use of round head rivets, which are much faster in construction and uses a less skilled labor force than the counter sunk rivet. Round head rivets can also be installed at a 40% faster rate, thus greatly reducing labor costs. Regardless of where rivets are located, they do make a performance difference. Fuel was not a factor at around 4 cents a gallon then. It is today. 

It is our goal to reduce operating cost, e.g. save fuel, by reducing drag and weight. You can go faster at the same power setting, specific fuel consumption, or, with less power, (less fuel burned) go the same speed. Our parts, in fuel savings alone will pay for themselves in a short period of time, allowing you to fly more. Fuel is at a record low, but we all know it will only go up.

 

One Piece Wing to Body Fillet 3 piece Stabilizer Fillet 1 piece AFT Deck Cover Baggage Door
		Left:  One-piece  composite rudder; Improves yaw & pitch, authority, directional control,  handling, reduces drag greatly.
		Far Left: Graphite Spinner Fwd & aft.
T-6 Rudder Masters;  21 Laminates - graphite.

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Cameron & Sons has been helping with the Western Museum of Flight Restoration Project; this is not a flying A/C.  Anyone interested in building a flying version should contact  Murdo Cameron here.

 

North American Aviation XAT-6E "Texan"

 

 

Reconstruction of the engine compartment enclosing the Ranger engine.