This is a project that will be assembled in three weeks for an
attempt on the Reno unlimited class. It uses a direct drive unducted
fan. The big block is about 600 cubic inches with special steam
pocket vents added to the cylinder heads. I found this project at
Montgomery field in San Diego. They are estimating 800 HP for the
engine. I tried to talk them into a turbo 3 rotor but no luck so
far. They do appreciate the role weight plays in a Reno unlimited
race where the airplane is pulling a constant 2.5 G's. Induced drag
due to lift is the main problem at Reno and that is why brute HP
wins. To pull two G's you need twice the lift coefficient. Induced
drag is proportional to the lift coef squared all other things being
equal so you need four times as much HP. An engine like the big
block is a handicap due to the high weight compared to a turbo 3 rotor.

The blade shown is one of four total.

Paul Lamar

I'm going to take my duct off soon, to re-finish it.
I'm thinking about trying to fly it without the duct, I'm concerned about
take-off distance, climb-rate, and cooling. I'll make some high-speed taxi
runs first, to see how it feels.

Perry

Good idea Perry. I forgot how we measured the acceleration the last time.
Use a stop watch and see how long it currently takes you to get to 
50 MPH. Also with the duct off see what the static RPM is.

Paul Lamar
 
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