Compatibility of side rail assembly with shape of coupled centre and rear fuselage assembly

With the whole top rail assembly clecoed in place it was found that the separation between the inward-facing surfaces of the CF-ANG-009 was 1130mm at the front and 1134mm at the rear. It was also found that if the CF-ANG-009/010 were separately clecoed to the rear fuselage assembly the surface separation at the rear was 1135mm, with onle a small amount of squeezing with a strap. Simultaneously, the unforced separation at the front and of the CF-ANG-009 surfaces was 1120mm. With only a little forcing this could be increased to 1130mm. This implies the centre and rear fuselage assemblies will fit together well, and be compatible with the shape of the side-rail assemblies, as additionaly being "frozen-in" by the doublers.

I am undecided as to how much I will rivet together the side rail doubler structure ahead of bridging the centre and rear fuselage assemblies. Some may need to be done due to access considerations.

It appears that the built aircraft will have a rear CF-ANG-009 separation of 1135mm, well below several other aircraft I have enquired after with values around 1142-1145mm. If this 1135mm figure is correct, the CF-ANG-009 will be more parallel than is typical. I have already ascertained this will be to no effect on the canopy performance however.

ADDENDUM 21 Jan 2024: After riveting the side-rail assemblies this setup was repeated, while clecoing into place the front top firewall rail CF-CHL-021. The separation at the rear of CF-ANG-009 slide-rail mount surfaces was 1135mm, with some strapping to pull the channels together, the separation at the front of the CF-ANG-009 surfaces was 1130mm. The distance between the slide-rail mount surface and the upward facing flange of RF-ANG-004 was about 27mm. Subtracting the 15mm slide rail thickness and the 6mm canopy flange thickness leaves 6mm of clearance between the canopy frame and the rear fuselage arch structure. This may obviate the need for flush rivets at the base of the arch.