Neil A. Kruiswyk wrote:

Paul,

    The idea was never to race nor was it all out speed.  If it was, I'd
have a different airframe altogether.  250mph out of a Lancair is not that
uncommon.  I've flown an absolutely gorgeous example of a small tailed
Lancair 320 with a hopped up IO-360 at 225mph indicated @ 24 square cruise
power.

    My one and only shot at those speeds took a fair bit of time to achieve
playing with the reflex in the flaps and running the motor at very high
temps (I didn't know they were high at the time).  One question I'm always
asked about the rotary is "how fast does it go?"   I usually answer that it
doesn't go any faster than a regular Lancair.  Why should it?  I'm getting
~180 HP which is the same as a regular IO-360.  Simple logic dictates equal
HP would give you equal results.

    My reasons for using the rotary was originally financially motivated and
in many ways, still is.  The cost of an aircraft engine installation wasn't
the deterrent so much as was the continual cost of repairs.  I could have
initially installed a mid time lycosauraus for the price of my rotary
installation but we've all heard the  horror stories of $400.00 valves and
$4000.00 crank shafts.  Not to mention the accessory bits which never get to
TBO.  The rotary is simple in its operation (3 main moving parts) and build
like the preverbal brick outhouse.  And in the unlikely event of major
engine damage, I can still get a freshly overhauled rotary engine for less
than the price of a cam shaft!!!

    I'm still one of the rotaries biggest proponents.  The more I learn
about the engine, the more pleased I am I chose it from the start.  If you
want to race, start with a racing airframe along the lines of a formula VEE.
Then add a tricked up rotary!!!

    As far as Sun-n-fun is concerned, I'd be happy making Osh what with all
the recent changes I've been making in cooling.  (more on that in the near
future).

    I'll get off my soap box now...

Neil

Oh well too bad. I guess racing is in my blood.

Paul Lamar
 
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