At 10:08 AM 7/16/2009, you wrote: > Did Rand abandon the retractable gear? Didn't it improve overall > performance versus fixed gear/ >Ed Foster +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ken did not abandon the retracts but most builder / fliers have due to the many problems associated with the retract gear. Many of those that have converted to a well fared fixed gear claim a slight reduction in weight and a 3 to 5 mph increase in speed. The retract did not fold completely in to the wing and so still had some amount of drag. The choices on fixed gear are several so you have a number of options. Larry Flesner
