A/C questions

Sprint100

Sprint100

Well-Known Member
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Is there anyinsight to air conditioners for small aircraft? I was wondering what type of unit I would need that could cool the cockpit of say a 172. Also what would be the drawbacks power-wise. I'm thinking of using a 300hp engine.
 
There are 2 main cooling systems on the C-172 - the Prop (AC) and window (Max AC). I think proper AC systems would weight too much.
 
Sprint100 said:
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Is there anyinsight to air conditioners for small aircraft? I was wondering what type of unit I would need that could cool the cockpit of say a 172. Also what would be the drawbacks power-wise. I'm thinking of using a 300hp engine.
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A BE58 I flew a little had an AC unit on the left engine. Worked pretty well too. I have heard of AC units for warrios and such that went either in the baggage compartment or right behind it. Really helped with the forward CG problem and didn't add too much weight.
 
I_Money said:
There are 2 main cooling systems on the C-172 - the Prop (AC) and window (Max AC). I think proper AC systems would weight too much.
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I was just comparing. The plane will have cabin size about 3/4 that of a 172.
 
Ask some of the folks from Skymates. They have a 182 with A/C and they might have a 172 also with A/C
 
172s did have factory A/C as an option in the 1970 or 1980s (not sure exactly what years). It was a freon-based system with a belt-driven compressor under the cowl and the air handling equipment in the baggage area. Long coolant lines under the belly. Reduced useful load about 100 lbs. and max climb rate by about 100 FPM. There was no difference in the engine.

It's available again as an option on new Skyhawks. I think the new units are made Keith Products if you are looking for product/design information:

http://www.keithproducts.com/
 
shooter13 said:
So what ya building???
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Kitplane called the Barracuda. I'm starting to order fuse materials in 3 or 4 weeks. Right now I am going over the prints to see which mods I can do without changing , or make MINOR changes, to things like aerodynamics and planned CG.
 
Flew from Scottsdale, AZ to GKY in a 172SP w/ AC. Works pretty well, but I was by myself, so I didn't notice much power reduction. I know BrettinLJ has been flying that same plane a decent bit, so he might have some more insight.
 
I_Money said:
I think proper AC systems would weight too much.
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Nonsense. I've flown several small GA aircraft with AC systems.

It might mean you can't carry as much, but that's the tradeoff you make.
 
Used to have a few Arrows and/or Archers with A/C at Pan Am in Florida. I remember that we weren't supposed to use them during t/o and initial climb, but they worked great in cruise.
 
A bit off topic, but I wonder how much A/C would affect the fuel burn on a a172? I don't think it would affect it very much.
 
Phoenix KGEU:) and I will be at KSMO alot .KGEU's locale is self explantatory and the sun at the Santa Monica airport makes plane cockpits too hot and uncomfortable for me and the plane will be tied down.
 
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