http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2/v/Begin-06-2003/Landing+gear/SwingArmLightening/ en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:34:18 +0000 120 http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2/d/486070-4/SwingArmLightening.jpg http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2/v/Begin-06-2003/Landing+gear/SwingArmLightening/ http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2/v/Begin-06-2003/Landing+gear/SwingArmLightening/Mono+Disk.pdf.html http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2/v/Begin-06-2003/Landing+gear/SwingArmLightening/Mono+Disk.pdf.html
The wheel (mono) carries a little unnecessary weight. You can lighten
the disk without compromising reliability and the cast marks can be
turned off the rims (see attached). Polishing is optional. I can't
really claim that the black "crackle" finish saves weight, but is does
look better than the corroded "white furred" alloy that is frequently
seen ;-)

Nigel Graham
Y14-01-29]]> rparigoris photo Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:19:16 +0000 http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2/v/Begin-06-2003/Landing+gear/SwingArmLightening/DSCN2691.jpg.html http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2/v/Begin-06-2003/Landing+gear/SwingArmLightening/DSCN2691.jpg.html
Cheers & thx,
Pete
A239
Y14-01-28:
On the subject of weight savings, I can't help but notice how heavy the mono swingarm is. I noticed in Germany one builder had put many lightening holes in it (among many other mods). I had also wondered if indeed it was over-designed and could use some strategically placed holes. Is that the only builder who has lightened it? Has anyone done any math on that heavy piece?

Paul McAlister
Y14-01-28:
I did this using my mates Bridgeport Mill and it took about 700 grams out.

Europa club safety officer
Regards,
Mike
Dr Mike Gregory
Y14-01-28:
I would urge caution on anyone thinking of removing material from the mono swingarm to lighten it. I was up at Kirkbymoorside some years ago when Roger Bull was asked about this, and he pointed out that the swing arm is a component that can be very heavily loaded, especially in a crosswind landing, and he did not recommend putting any lightening holes in it.

Any UK owner would be well advised to consult the LAA before taking any such action, as this would definitely require modification action and not be permitted simply with the approval of the local inspector.

Ron P.:
Y14-01-28:
I remember speaking with Paul about this, and he thought he was pretty conservative with material removal (perhaps at a Rough River meet).]]> rparigoris photo Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:08:25 +0000