Solution
Eric Raymond is breaking new ground with the SUNSEEKER DUO and is increasingly using solid plastic plain bearings. With similar load capacity, plastic plain bearings bring several advantages, as can be shown with the example of the wing attachment:
The spherical plain bearings offer ideal specifications for the wing attachment mounting. By using plastic instead of metal, it is not only weight that can be saved here. Plastic spherical plain bearings are designed larger for sufficient load capacity, which simplifies integration into the component and ensures better load distribution. In the case of the wing attachment, two
igubal spherical bearings of the type KGLM-30-LC are used in the SUNSEEKER DUO for the first time in the history of aircraft construction. It is completely laminated into the wing spar and connected to the fuselage via a carbon bolt.
In other places, too, an even-handed design replaces metal bearings with plastic for the first time. Thus, with the same advantages, our spherical bearings are also relied on for the suspension of the horizontal stabiliser.
When attaching the flaps to the wing, igus PEP bearings proved to be the optimal joining link. Here, too, the advantages of a much simpler plastic-plastic integration into the assembly become apparent. In addition, it was possible to make the load-bearing shaft out of carbon, which resulted in further weight savings.