Assembling the unique high altitude pressurized Perlan 2 is a bit more complex than your typical glider. However the procedure is still familar to other glider folks around the world. We inspect everything very carefully since it has traveled for 8 weeks to get to El Calafate. Thank you to AeroClub Lago Argentino for use of their hangar and their support.
After inspection we roll out the left wing first since it has the double fork to insert into the fuselage. All connectors must be cleaned and fresh coated with cold temperature grease. (We experienced -90F at the highest point last year.) Once the wing is in the approximately correct position it is rolled horizontal using our very sturdy mobile wing rigging device which Jim designed and Tom Stowers created. Note the red bottle jack to assist in barely raising or lowering the heavy wing so it is exactly where we need it to be. Note also that the spar forks are curved, not straight. This makes it a bit tricky to align properly.
The right wing has a single spar extension which nestles between the left wing’s double extension. The wings are brought into very close alignment using an asymetric tool created by Mark Mocho for Perlan. Jim asked that it have a square hole so a rachet could twirl it into position. The two large spar pins slip through all three spar extensions to maintain the wing position during flight. Michael Batalia set up a time-lapse recording of the procedure. Linda Warnock took the rigging photos and Dan Johnson took the rigging crew photo. I put it all together with music titled “Taking Flight” in a 2:23 minute YouTube video. Link below.
Once the wings were on, then Morgan and Mike installed the control links for the ailerons and spoilers. There are no flaps on Perlan 2 as it is designed to climb at slow indicated speeds. After Morgan has run his tests for the flutter exciters on each 6 foot long wing tip then both tips can be installed. This will complete the full 85 foot wingspan. Perlan Soars! Jackie
For 2:23 minute Perlan2 Assembly video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy0iZOdyKgQ
