337G Fixed gear

markmunro · #1 11-03-10, 11:27 AM

We are looking into putting a 337 on large tundra tires and would like information on possibility of doing this. Also there is a 337G out there that has been converted to fixed gear we have heard. Anyone know anything of this?

ricksauto11 · #2 11-16-10, 07:27 PM

did you find out if you can change the landing gear rick 8166787907 thanks

WebMaster · #3 11-16-10, 09:10 PM

Some time ago, we had an inquiry, from someone in Alaska, about doing the same thing.
She had been in contact with Owen Bell. I don't recall if it was ever completed. I'll try and find the information I had. I would suggest contacting Owen about it.
Some years ago, there was one done, it was the original Riley prototype. It was for sale on skymaster.com. You might talk to them as well.

markmunro · #4 11-17-10, 12:33 AM

Yes I have talked to Owen. He can do it but from my understanding little is involved other than disabling the retract system and of course the paperwork.
I am wondering what the structure is like on the 337 as opposed to the 336.
Will it withstand the rigors of rough terrain. I am interested in finding the 337 out there that has had the gear fixed previously.

hharney · #5 11-17-10, 03:05 AM

The 337 gear is most definitely a strong system. I am not aware of any changes to the O2 system vs the civilian model (correct me if I'm wrong). I know that Cessna did some major testing of the gear system because dad was in Wichita while they did some testing on the gear. They had crane hoisting the aircraft in the air and releasing it. I remember him saying that he was just amazed at the results. I don't remember the height that they released it at but I do remember dad saying that the belly almost touched the ground.

Also AirScan has their own GW increase STC for their aircraft and they had to do a drop test.

It's a beefy system but I do not know how it compares to the 336. I would call Don Neiser and talk to him about it also.

Is there a rule that says you can't fly the aircraft with the gear inop? I guess you want to go into the main system and safety secure the main spring system? Make sure everything is locked and can't release in some way?

I have been on some pretty rough surfaces with my 337 back in the day. Some of them up in Whitehorse and Atlin Lake, BC. Several trips up there back in the 80's and 90's. Also the Idaho wilderness areas. I would say that the biggest weakness might be the nose gear.

Here is the one you are looking for:

http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/N53504.html

ricksauto11 · #6 11-17-10, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry bowdish

Some time ago, we had an inquiry, from someone in Alaska, about doing the same thing.
She had been in contact with Owen Bell. I don't recall if it was ever completed. I'll try and find the information I had. I would suggest contacting Owen about it.
Some years ago, there was one done, it was the original Riley prototype. It was for sale on skymaster.com. You might talk to them as well.

getting closer to buying one for all my missionary work and angle flight thanks again

JimC · #7 05-20-20, 09:18 PM

If anybody is interested in tracking this down, N505JK is the 336 that has been outfitted with oversized tires.

YankeeClipper · #8 07-03-20, 08:56 AM

I'd seen this picture floating around on the internet previously. Always wondered about the agitator on the front and the vacuum on the back as it raced over a rocky strip. I'd also love to be worried for nothing, because I'd do that setup too in a heartbeat.

patrolpilot · #9 08-04-20, 07:39 PM

Here is another

JimC · #10 08-08-20, 01:43 PM

Two more photos:

Spinkle · #11 12-25-22, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimC

If anybody is interested in tracking this down, N505JK is the 336 that has been outfitted with oversized tires.

N505JK is mine, still based at 3AK4. It's on 8.50s all around with Gar-Aero wheels and an Airglas fork.

YankeeClipper · #12 12-26-22, 04:21 AM

Would love to hear more about this if you're so inclined. Did it require an FAA field inspection? How is the off airport performance?

Spinkle · #13 12-26-22, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeClipper

Would love to hear more about this if you're so inclined. Did it require an FAA field inspection? How is the off airport performance?

Just like everything else done to it, the wheels and tires and fork were all done on 337s in the nineties here in Alaska. I only bought 505JK this past spring, but I've been around it for decades. Steve, the longest owner, kept 505JK at 3AK4 which is a sea level 1860' gravel strip. And he pretty much only did beach landings as I recall, I don't remember him going to town in it, just what normal folks would think of as off airport.