I had a brain storm today on a roadable aircraft.
It is always in the back of my feeble mind :)

I realized one of the unique features of the rotary
is its very simple e-shaft. If one makes it longer and
larger in diameter on the front end  one can get power out of both
ends. One end is mated to a stock VW transmission and the
other end uses one of Ken Welters 3:1 cog belt reduction drives.

You take off in first gear and get much better acceleration to
flying speed. This is due to the traction you get out of tires
as opposed to a highly slipping prop. As soon as you run out of
RPM in first you push in the clutch and shift into neutral.
the prop takes over.

For road work you remove the canard and main wings
and tow them behind you. The only drawback here is the weight
of the VW gear box and drive shafts.

Its a motor cycle on the ground as that circumvents a load of
EPA and DOT rules.

Paul Lamar

Assuming you don't want a high road speed, why not forget the weight and
expense of the transmission and clutch and transmit a small amount of torque
thru a simple belt and pully set.  A simple belt tensioner will do for the
clutch.  I'm still thinking about the 90 degree turn for the torque. :)


Norman DeBoer

No IMHO I think a complete car transmission is required to make
a viable road vehicles. Climb steep hills. Cruise at
high speed on the freeway, tow the wings, etc.

The idea is you fly towards your destination. If you get to a weather front
you land, take the wings off and tow the wings over to the other side
of the front.  Then you reattach the wings at any convenient airport and
continue on. Or you tow the wings home and avoid hangar fees. Stop at the
gas station for cheap gas. Go some place without rental cars and use the
roadable part to get around.

Paul Lamar