Oratex Fabric Covering Revisited

[HighWing]

I am curious beyond curious. I am aware that any covering system is a significant part of the empty weight of any airplane. I recall during the Arab Oil Embargo, US airlines removing paint from the airplanes as a fuel saving mearure. And I am aware that LIght has significant benefit beyone GPH.

But, Does anyone have any idea roughly or exactly, how much weight saving is to be had using the Oratex system?

[jrevens]

I am curious beyond curious. I am aware that any covering system is a significant part of the empty weight of any airplane...

Just roughly, but I have heard from several users that a cub size airplane can save around 25 to 30 lbs. There are other factors besides weight that also appeal to me. The strength/toughness is one. It's amazing to see the demonstration where a ball-peen hammer is used to beat on a panel (hard). A small amount of stretching/dimpling is the result, and application of heat with a heat gun takes it right out. Doing the job in the comfort of my shop/basement with no toxic fume issues is also nice.

[Sabre]

The new edition of Kitplanes has what looks to be a pretty informative article on covering with Oratex.

[Planesmaker]

Weight saving? I recently removed all fabric from a skyfox( an Australian production based on the kitfox 3) in preparation for recover, the weight of which was less than 10kg(22lbs) for the entire aircraft. Unsure weather it was 1.7 oz or 2.7 oz but really saving 20 to 30 lbs? I doubt it. Tom