I'm just following this as a spectator, but I was impressed by the yellow on Frank Knapp's experimental J3 referenced in the "Raising the flaps after landing" thread. From outside the wingspan I couldn't tell that it was translucent at all. The close ups showed it, but even then it wasn't dramatic. The video was at this link: http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=3081342584001

Brett

I see there are a few other Alaskans on this topic. So how does it hold up in the cold? I've used both Stewart's and Polyfiber in the past, and both seem to hold up well. With any luck I'll be ready to cover my Patrol in a few years and I'm planning to Stewart's at this point, but always open to something better.

I had a chance to visit my friend who's using the Oratex,

The application process looks to be very easy, you apply the structural adhesive "glue" product as you need it, let it set, the apply the fabric using heat from a gun or iron to activate the glue. If you need to change a panel or make a mistake, the glue can be head activated over again. It takes well over 250*C to activate, so no worries about ambient heat softening the glue outdoors. For a first-timer covering job, the quality looked fantastic.

The material doesn't feel the same as a typical Ceconite installation, it's a springy sort of fabric with slightly more texture, and certainly a lighter product when finished. The edges of tapes visually stand out *ever* so slightly more than a painted Ceconite covering, I suppose because the lines are sharper. Some might prefer this look. It comes in three weights, the lightest was very flimsy and I'd suggest it's not for "real" aircraft exteriors. It's probably aimed at Ultralights, but should work well for an interior fabric. The fabric is two sided, so you need to get it right-way-up, one has a rougher surface for the structural adhesive to adhere to.

It did not appear to be as translucent as described by some. Under indoor lighting it looked just like regular fabric covering, not see-through at all. Outside in direct sunlight the medium weight fabric might be *slightly* see through. It's certainly not like the material used on Ultralights in that respect, I seem to recall someone drew that comparison.

Anyway enough words from me, pictures (this is a Bearhawk):

Rudder, note the rib-stitching tapes as with Ceconite - same materials used there:


Interior door skin (lightest weight) in blue:


Elevator, my friend's plane will be white with blue trim:


Horisontal stabiliser, with rib stitching and tapes complete:

Thank you!

You know, when I first heard about this product, via the Alaska Airmen's trade show a few years ago, I had this wet dream that I would be covering the rudder of my Tripacer with four inch black and white checkers just like I did with my Top--Kick F1H wings in tissue and my Gentle Lady some ten years later in iron on plastic. I'm guessing that is not going to be a reality.

One reality I am sure of is that if this product gets FAA approval it will both revolutionize and revitalize the fabric aircraft market: new, used, certified, and experimental.

One question: has anyone used the Univair style ribs with the large head pop rivets with the 6000 system?


Rocket

Ive been looking into with a mate of mine for a project we are heading into. Frank knapp put us onto it and he swears by it. plus no one else i have talked to has said a single negative thing about it.

Lars who runs the USA distribution of Oratex sent me a sample. All I can say is wow. The colors are deep and beautiful. The stuff is strong, and I respect German engineering..

I think the only people saying anything negative are probably the competitors. I am going to be keen to see how many new Aircraft at OSH will have used this new Oratex, and what the colors schemes are.