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News & Media New STC for STOL enthusiasts

New STC for STOL enthusiasts

Acme Aero suspension systems receive STC at Sun ’n Fun

April 3, 2023 By Cayla McLeod Hunt

Acme Aero, a manufacturer of backcountry and short takeoff and landing aftermarket products, received supplemental type certification for its Black Ops (main gear) and Stinger (tailwheel) shock absorbers for Piper PA–12, PA–14, PA–18, J–3, and PA–11 and CubCrafters CC–18 aircraft.

Acme Aero's Black Ops and Stinger suspension retrofit adds shock absorbers to the main landing gear and tailwheel, respectively, of various CubCrafters and Piper models, improving performance and safety on rough surfaces. Photos courtesy of Acme Aero.
Acme Aero's Black Ops and Stinger suspension retrofit adds shock absorbers to the main landing gear and tailwheel, respectively, of various CubCrafters and Piper models, improving performance and safety on rough surfaces. Photos courtesy of Acme Aero.
Acme Aero's Black Ops and Stinger suspension retrofit adds shock absorbers to the main landing gear and tailwheel, respectively, of various CubCrafters and Piper models, improving performance and safety on rough surfaces. Photos courtesy of Acme Aero.

“We have created the most advanced technology for the most iconic airplanes,” said Acme Aero CEO Matt McSwain. “Over several years of advanced testing and over 2,000 sets flying in the experimental world, both systems have proved themselves in multiple mission profiles.”

The systems are specifically designed to dampen landing energy through shock absorbers rather than through the airframe. In addition, both the Black Ops and Stinger suspensions “significantly improve performance and safety while improving strength and reliability,” stated Acme Aero in a press release.

“We have pushed every single customer to the Black Ops and Stinger tailwheel,” said CubCrafters dealer Mike Sasser. “The product makes the airplane considerably safer. It eliminates rebound which really helps with ground loop situations, especially with low time pilots.”

Several redundancies including threaded and welded top plates, lock nuts, and triple seals safeguard against failure on any type of terrain.

The Black Ops and Stinger tailwheel kits are available for $4,800 (main gear) and $2,300 (tailwheel), respectively.

Both systems were designed with redundancies to reduce the chance of failure, the company noted, including a threaded and welded top out plate on the shock absorbers, along with a lock nut on the piston valve stack. The Black Ops shocks have a triple seal pack to extend life and reduce the chance of leaks.

Cayla McLeod
Cayla McLeod Hunt
Social Media Marketer
Social Media Marketer Cayla McLeod Hunt is a private pilot with a love for tailwheel and backcountry aircraft. When she isn't writing stories, she enjoys flying with friends and introducing others to general aviation.
Go to Cayla McLeod Hunt's Profile

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