E-Flite Bonanza 15e Main Gear Trunion Strut and Door

thingiverse

An update on my project reveals persistent gear failures despite a high 75% infill rate. The primary problem lies at the bottleneck where the strut meets the retract. To tackle this issue, I switched to composite material and inserted two 3mm carbon fiber rods into two 3.1mm holes along the length of the strut. This modification has so far prevented further gear failures during numerous flights. The modeled part is designed for an E-Flight 10-15 Electric retract in an E-Flite 15e Bonanza. This specific landing gear strut has proven challenging due to the aircraft's weight (5-6lbs) and high wing loading, which puts significant stress on the main gear. To ensure durability, I print with three shells and a 60% infill rate for the critical section. The door is mainly for aesthetic purposes, allowing for lower infill. Screw holes accommodate M2.5 screws, with lengths ranging from 6mm to 12mm; however, users must provide their own pivot pin, such as a 6mm aluminum tube. Although modifying the E-Flite retracts requires opening them, it has not been a significant issue.