Forward Fuselage
Last updated
Last updated
The forward fuselage consists of the structural elements from the nose cone to the bulkhead behind the cabin. It provides a weather tight area for operators and passengers, a strong, light, and streamlined structure, practical access doors with a large, unobstructed floor, and large windshields and windows for superior visibility. The forward fuselage has the access panels that follow:
The forward fuselage is a composite and aluminum assembly. Its principal function is the flight compartment with room for a maximum of five occupants: one or two crews and three or four passengers. Its floor is flat and supported by the keel beams and the webs attached to them. The crew doors, clamshell door, windshields, and a window are attached to it to make the cockpit and the cabin a weather tight area. The forward fairing above the cockpit serves as a mount for the GPS/VHF antenna and to streamline the roof panels. The descriptions of the access panels follow.
The nose cone is a composite assembly. It houses the landing and taxi lights and has the fresh air intake duct. It provides a weather tight area for the Air Data Computer (ADC) and its air hoses and wiring. It is located at the forward-bottom end of the forward fuselage.
The forward belly panel is a composite panel. It protects the flight control components, tubing, and wiring under the cockpit floor from the elements. It provides the aerodynamic shape and the structural integrity of the forward fuselage. It is located under the forward part of the forward fuselage.
The left cockpit floor is a composite panel assembly. It has an opening for the copilot collective stick. It is located on the left side of the cockpit.
The right cockpit floor is a composite panel assembly. It is located on the right side of the cockpit.
The center cockpit floor is a composite panel assembly. It has an opening for the pilot collective stick. It is located in the center of the cockpit between the pilot and the copilot seats.
The cabin floor is a composite panel assembly with anchor plates mounted on it. It is located in the cabin.