Belly "Strakes" ?

[Slick Nick]

Came across this photo of an F model, has a one piece belly pan with what looks like some strakes bolted onto it. Looks like two long ones, with two shorter ones outboard, mid way down the belly panel. I think the one closest to the nose gear door is an antenna? Or maybe they all are? Interesting modification, I imagine it would help longitudinal stability a bit, at the expense of a little drag. Anyone have any info on it? Perhaps the owner is even a member here. I'm not to familiar with the older model Mooneys, so forgive me if this is a popular modification.

 

[hammdo]

Mine has 2 ‘longerons’ if you will and the transponder antenna…

-Don

[EricJ]

There were some one-piece fiberglass belly panels that were made that way.   I suspect that's what that is.    I don't know why they were done that way other than potentially for stiffening.

[AJ88V]

Was thinking the marker beacon antenna was hidden in there, but see two similar antennae on the belly.

Might just be a stiffener and offering a bit of sound deadening.

[KSMooniac]

It might have been an older SWTA or other 3rd-party one-piece belly kit that had those big strakes as a protective feature for a gear-up landing.  The idea I believe is those strakes would prevent damage on the rest of the airframe.

[N201MKTurbo]

I believe it is an Air Mods one piece belly. All the image links for it are broken. There is talk on Mooneyspace that describe the two strakes.

[DCarlton]

Pretty sure that's a 1990 vintage Aero Mods M20-100 "One Piece Fiberglass Belly Pan with Skid Runners Fairing".  I have the same belly pan.  According to my documentation, "The Belly Pan is intended to protect the primary aircraft structure in the event of a gear-up landing".  Aero Mods was out of Wheat Ridge, CO.  It was a great design; weighs about 10 lbs.  If I can find a good pic, I'll post it.    

[EricJ]

15 minutes ago, DCarlton said:

Pretty sure that's a 1990 vintage Aero Mods M20-100 "One Piece Fiberglass Belly Pan with Skid Runners Fairing".  I have the same belly pan.  According to my documentation, "The Belly Pan is intended to protect the primary aircraft structure in the event of a gear-up landing".  Aero Mods was out of Wheat Ridge, CO.  It was a great design; weighs about 10 lbs.  If I can find a good pic, I'll post it.    

I wonder if that ever got tested and whether it was effective.

[DCarlton]

Just now, EricJ said:

I wonder if that ever got tested and whether it was effective.

I admire it every time I clean it.  I actually think it would be very effective.  

[M20E for me]

I have the same on my E with two "strakes" running the length.  I don't plan on gearup testing it!

[AJ88V]

The sad thing is that most planes with the one-piece belly mod got them through gear up landings.  Not only that, they probably got new engines too!  Those of us who have thus far failed to perform such a 'manoeuvre' don't get nothin'!!!!!

[1980Mooney]

2 hours ago, EricJ said:

I wonder if that ever got tested and whether it was effective.

The late Bob Belville posted that he did a gear up with that belly mod in 1997.

 

[A64Pilot]

On 11/20/2024 at 12:11 PM, EricJ said:

I wonder if that ever got tested and whether it was effective.

I’ve not seen one “tested” but I have heard it worked as intended, as long as it was a gentle touch down.

I’ve even heard the old long marker beacons have helped too, but all my info is word of mouth.

I assume knowing the root words of assume, but when I see one piece bellies I assume there has been a gear up myself.

Ever seen sport bikes with frame protectors? I think these strakes likely work just as well.

Edited November 28, 2024 by A64Pilot