Graydon Woods wrote:
Paul, I would first like to Thank You for your efforts in running this e-mail list.
10 Years ago I had to sell my aircraft due to the cost of flying it. At the time I looked at homebuilts to see if they would be more affordable. I have got the bug and am again looking at homebuilts. I have not watched the progress over the years so I was very interested to see how the kits and automobile conversions have made out. I am happy to see such a huge number of homebuilt airplanes being built. The homebuilt community has grown bigger than I would have expected it. As for the automobile engine conversions, I see very little signs of all the promises made 10 years ago. However the development of the Rotary still seems to be on track.
What has been the biggest change in the last 10 years? It is the Internet. I know that it is possible to build an aircraft and put an automotive engine (13B) in it because others are flying them now. They are sharing their knowledge with us through sites like yours. Thanks Again Paul and to the others on the net especially those that are flying a rotary.
The purpose of this letter was to ask you a question. I would be interested in reviewing the development of other engine/drives that have been in development over the last few years. Both those that have failed and those that are still going. Do you know of any web sites that cover this info. I am curious of what happened to the Blanton/Ford etc.. Also maybe a comment on a Belted Drive as it would seem to allow you position the engine/prop easier.
I will be selecting a Kit in the next few months. I will not have to decide on an engine for maybe 2 years. Any bets on what it will be. :-) Living in northern Alberta, Canada, water cooled sure sounds nice and warm!
Thanks
GW
Well I can't say much about other web sites but www.google.com should give you plenty.
Blanton turned out to be his own worst enemy with his unreasonable claims.
Some others are making extraordinary claims for turbo Subaru's that also don't
obey the laws of physics. Normally aspirated older Subaru's make good 100 HP
engines.
The big problem with most auto piston engine is the poor power to weight
ratio. A notable exception is the Chevy based small block Engineair turbo V8 installed
in Lanceair IV P's but that is hardly an auto engine anymore with no Chevy
parts left in it. It is not cheap either with a cost of well over $50,000 firewall forward.
It is not light but at least it has 350 HP or so given its demonstrated speed
in cross country races for a reasonable power to weight ratio. A turbo
three rotor would have about the same power with a much better power to weight
ratio and much cheaper if you installed it yourself.
Paul Lamar
The AirCraft Rotary Engine NewsLetter. Powered by Linux.
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