Paul wrote:

Hi, fellow rotary enthusiasts....Today my 13b powered SQ2000 successfully slipped the surly bounds of Earth... and returned in one piece.  The test flight was conducted under less than favorable
conditions (direct crosswind 25 knots gusting to 30, short runway, etc).  I had to taxi back to the hangar to tighten the tension on the nosewheel swivel assembly, then back to the hangar again
because the alternator stopped charging (too small a fuse), and a few other small bugs. (I guess that's why the FAA requires a test period).  By the time I made it back to the runway for the fourth
time, the water temperature had reached 195 F.  Fortunately, on climbout the temps started to drop, and by the time I was downwind they were back down to 170, where they stayed for the two circuits
I made around the airport and came in for an uneventful landing. I will post further flight test results and numbers as I obtain them....not able to get too many numbers written down as I was kind
of busy on first flight with trimming the aircraft, looking for suitable off airport landing sites (just in case), talking to other traffic in the pattern, etc.  Hopefully the next flight I will be
able to write down some performance numbers.  I only got it to 140 knots on downwind (nosewheel not retracted), but I have to say that this rotary engine is the smoothest, nicest sounding little
engine we can put in our experimental aircraft (short of a really expensive turbine, maybe). Keep building, everyone....it is well worth the effort.  Paul Conner, Mobile, AL

Double congratulations Paul on a successful first flight.

Paul Lamar
 
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