builders/flyers -

for those who didn't see the article on the latest incarnation of a flying car, the "Terrafugia", visit:

http://www.terrafugia.com/

looks like a combination of a small japanese car and our cozy. given that, and the designer is an mit grad, i'm suspecting marc is somehow involved in this. i'm now thinking of modifying my plane to this design ;-).

ken knevel

plans #: mk-0936

http://www.aerchitecture.com

http://www.blitchknevel.com

I think that trying to build to the LSA spec is too light and low power
for the compromises of a roadable aircraft.

Here is a much better design that will carry more and go faster:

http://www.dual-use.com/index.html  This is Jeff Spitzer's project.
He has his impressive resume on the website.

The Terrafugia has too much washout (angulation of the wings) which
compromises lift.  The vertical stabilizers are too close to the wing,
so this plane will be unstable in yaw.  The propellor is too small
which will mean long takeoff distances and poor efficiency.  I also
think that the propeller is too close to the vertical stabilizers,
which means you have to reinforce the structure against the fatigue
from the pressure pulses coming off the prop.  The Synergy roadable
airplane referenced above is a much better design.

Hans

That is not called washout Hans. That is called dihedral.

Paul Lamar

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