The standard retraction system consists of the main actuator assembly and all the parts listed as a part of NL1 Order No. on the price page. The functionality is described and illustrated on this page.

NL1-12EX Kit	NL1-12EX  Retraction System

The standard retraction system is designed functionally to give the pilot complete manual control of the nose gear on the ground or in the air. It also gives a complete indication of the status of the gear at all times.

The standard manual control panel (1.65” x 2.25”) comes completely wired with a high current micro toggle switch and two dual color LED (Light Emitting diode) indicators. The circuit components are chosen to allow the lightest most functional system.

The indicators annunciate four retraction system conditions:

• Gear up (top indicator amber),
• Gear running down (top indicator green)
• Gear down (lower indicator green)
• Gear running up (lower indicator red).

The switch also has a center off position that is used only for ground operation. When the switch is in the center “off” position all the indicators will not be illuminated. The switch panel with the gear retraction wiring diagram provided with the unit recommends that a main ten ampere circuit breaker (15 amps ) be wired ahead of the aircraft master switch. This allows the pilot to raise and lower the airplane at will on the ground for convenient ground handling and entry and exit from the canard type aircraft without turning on the aircraft master switch. The  control panel switch positions and indicator lights are illustrated below. Warning: the gear switch must be in the “Down” position for landing and taxi operations.

Also included on the control panel is a second switch labeled “Auto Defeat”. This is switch is only used when the AEX-12 optional Automatic Extension System is purchased. See the AEX-12 page for a detailed description, specification and operation.

All of the NL1 Actuators include a “overload self resetting circuit breaker” which protects the actuator reduction gears from damage due to overload.  All the NL1 actuators include a backup extension function to allow extension of the nose gear in case of power failure or other electrical failures. The NL1-12EX  uses a small sealed backup battery and associated wiring that allows the pilot to extend the gear by operating a panel mounted “Emerg. Extend” switch. The emergency extend circuit includes a self resetting circuit breaker that Removes the current from the motor when the unit reaches it's mechanical down limit. Any of the NL1 actuators can be installed as a retrofit in fully completed aircraft.

NL1-12EX Specifications:

Recommended applications: Long-EZ, Cozy, Cozy MKIV and Berkut aircraft with less than 400 lbs front seat weight or 230 lbs nose wheel weight.

Unit weight uninstalled: NL1-12Ex:  14 lbs 6oz includes mounting brackets and backup battery, but not kit parts that replace original parts.

Installed weight: 7lbs (weight added after installation replacing manual gear retraction mechanism).

Retraction actuator travel: 7.3” +/- .02

NL1-12Ex dimensions when retracted: 13.5” long, 6.5” high, and 3.2” wide.

Power requirements NL1-12EX: 12-14 volts, 2.5-3 amps no load. 10 amps average. 15 amps at full shock spring deflection, 19 amps(4 seconds) at overload self resetting circuit breaker.

Recommended circuit protection  NL1-12E :  15 amp fuse or circuit breaker for Load and wire protection.

Extend retract time when airborne (min. load):  17 seconds.

Max load when powered by 12 volts or greater) : 2700 lbs at nose lift, 260 lbs at nose wheel. Limited by internal overload cicuit breaker.(This load is greater than the load limits of the nose wheel strut and airframe components especially under dynamic flight operations.)

Overload clutch load limit: 2700 lbs at nose lift actuator.

Max load with power off in fully extended position after motion is stopped: 1700 lbs at the nose lift, 260 lbs at the nose wheel (fully extended) or 400lbs front seat weight. This is limited by dynamic Braking.

Load at full spring deflection: 2000 lbs at nose lift. 333 lbs at nose wheel.

Preload : 700 lbs, 117 lbs at nose wheel gear fully extended. ( This is the load where the nose gear begins to compresses the shock absorber).

Dynamic shock control: (shock spring kick back control): Rubber return pad and grease filled chamber. This prevents damage to airframe mountings and other associated parts from hard landings and rough surface operations.

Extend or retract time when airborne (min. load):  19 seconds.

Max load when powered by 12 volts or greater) : 2700 lbs at nose lift, 450lbs at nose wheel. Warning: This load is greater than the load limits of the nose wheel strut and airframe components especially under dynamic flight operations.

Internal shock absorber specifications:

Load at full spring deflection: 2000 lbs at nose lift. 333 lbs at nose wheel.

Preload: 700 lbs, 117 lbs at nose wheel gear fully extended. (This is the load where the nose gear begins to compresses the shock absorber spring).

Dynamic shock control: (shock spring kick back control): Rubber return pad and grease filled chamber. This prevents damage to airframe mountings and other associated parts from hard landings and rough surface operations.