Kitfox gets rugged new backcountry landing gear
Kitfox Aircraft, the Idaho-based maker of backcountry-capable kits, joined forces with Acme Aero to offer a new, more robust landing gear and suspension system for most Kitfox aircraft.
When outfitting an aircraft for backcountry flying, having a rugged and reliable landing gear system is at top of mind for many aircraft owners. To help owners have more confidence when operating off the beaten path, Kitfox turned to Acme Aero ;to offer a suspension upgrade across the Kitfox line of experimental and light sport aircraft.
The system works using an internally sprung damping system that separates the damping components from the springing medium. “That means,” the company explained in a press release, “a loss of nitrogen pressure in the damping system will not cause the system to sag and lose ride height. A loss of nitrogen or even damping oil will not render the Acme Aerofab system unflyable. Other systems, which use an air/oil system could leave you stranded—or worse.”
“We are excited to offer the Acme Black Ops shocks as standard for the Kitfox STi,” Kitfox CEO John McBean said. “The more positive feel and ride height coupled with the safety and testing required for the STC makes a shock that is an excellent fit for the back country and the Kitfox Aircraft models.”
The Acme Aero Black Ops suspension is a bolt-on replacement for existing Kitfox Cabane V gear; is optional for the Kitfox Series 5, 6, and 7 models; and now comes standard on the Kitfox S7 STi. Kitfox is currently working on a version to retrofit to the earlier Kitfox model 4. The upgrade package for the Kitfox Series 5, 6, and 7 models costs $3,430 and is an upgrade option on new-construction Kitfoxes.
