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Systems

Flight controls​

The BD-5 has classical mechanical flight controls. Flight stick is positioned on the right console.

An anti-servo tab assists pitch movement. Pitch trim is connected to the same tab from an electric actuator and can be set with the handle next to throttle.

Electrical system​

Electric supply is provided in flight, thanks to a generator, connected to the engine.

It can supply three different light systems:

  • Strobe lights.

  • Navigation lights.

  • Cabin lights.

Even though the BD-5 has interior lights, it is not equipped for night flying as there is not any landing light.

Fuel system​

The BD-5J has two fuel tanks:

  • One tank in left wing.
  • One tank in right wing.

An electric fuel pump is connected to main electric circuit to assist in case of mechanical pump failure.

Fuel level gauge has been implemented in the aircraft for simplicity. However, most of BD-5 were not fitted with such a gauge.

Instead, six fuel prisms on each wing allow to determine fuel level. Each prism has a different length and will let light shine through it as soon as fuel level will drop below its base. Thus, six blank cylinders mean that no fuel remains in the tank.

You can see prisms on both wings with INSTRUMENTS 04 and INSTRUMENTS 05 cameras.

Landing gear​

The aircraft has a tricycle retractable landing gear. Each landing gear leg has one wheel. Main wheels are equipped with disc brakes.

Retracting mechanism is fully mechanic and cable operated.

A set of lights indicates:

  • When landing gear is not locked (red light).

  • When landing gear is extended and locked (one green light per leg).

Flaps​

Each wings hold a trailing flap, manually operated.

Three positions can be achieved: 0, 15 and 30 degrees.

Radio​

A simple radio is positioned on the main panel.

It allows to manage COM 1 frequency (active and standby). Left knob can be used to set volume.

Transponder​

The BD-5 is equipped with a regular transponder.

Four different knobs are used to set the code. Main knob allows to switch between different modes (OFF, SBY, TST, ON, ALT).