Please, some thoughts about counter-rotating props using
   twin Mazda power
   (one on each wing).

   In fantasy land, we turn the rotors around and run the
   Mazda backwards. I
   don't think even Paul could figure that one out.

   By the way, very nice article in June 2009 KITPLANES,
   Paul.

   I've been unable to find a suitable reversing gearbox. So
   far, I've thought
   of putting a "sandwich" gearbox between the engine and the
   PSRU. I know
   this is easier said than done. You could probably use gears
   from an auto
   transmission. As each engine with the accessories has to be
   the twin of each other
   (except for the rotation part), both need the gearbox.
   With a straight-through arrangement you would need 3 gears
   (input, idler,
   output) for original rotation, and input, two idlers,
   output, for reversed
   rotation. For an offset arrangement, one idler can be
   subtracted from each
   gearboxe. Oil squirting barbs at all gear meshing points.

   Initial problems are the input adapters from the engine,
   and the output
   adapter to the PSRU.

   This is as far as I have gotten with my brainstorming, and
   I am sure that
   there is tons of stuff that I am missing, so please feel
   free to critique -
   something I have learned to value in reading your daily
   posts that I get in
   my daily email.

   By the way, the object of all this is a 60% P-38 in which
   rotary engines
   are the only ones that make sense for physical room and
   power. Also, it only
   works if the inside of the cockpit is laid out like a
   sailplane (recumbent).
   Thank you all, I have learned to enjoy your fearless,
   open-minded ways.
             Bernie.


   Why not just connecting the PSRU to the shaft on a modified
   endplate
   on the other side of the engine ?

   Philippe-Pierre DEJEAN


 Bernie,

 Nice part about the planetary gearing is reverse rotation is easily done.

 Ring gear, cluster gears, and sun gear.  Change the input and output for
 different gear rotation and ratios.  You want to match rpms on both
 sides, so it would be a different gear cluster.

 The 2.85 is sun to ring ratio. (same rotation).  So you need to
 find a Sun to Planetary gear that is the same ratio, which
 give counter rotation.

 Mind is slipping.... Was it the Ford Transmission that went
 with the six planetary gears (three being most common),
 but for a Diesel truck it went to six.

 Tom

     Bernie,

 Nice part about the planetary gearing is reverse rotation is easily done.

 Ring gear, cluster gears, and sun gear.  Change the input and output for
 different gear rotation and ratios.  You want to match rpms on both
 sides, so it would be a different gear cluster.

 The 2.85 is sun to ring ratio. (same rotation).  So you need to
 find a Sun to Planetary gear that is the same ratio, which give counter rotation.

 Mind is slipping.... Was it the Ford Transmission that went with the six
 planetary gears (three being most common), but for a Diesel truck it went to six.

 Tom Walter

 "So you need to
 find a Sun to Planetary gear that is the same
 ratio, which give counter rotation"

 That is the hard part :)

 Paul Lamar


Just need to find a Sun and Planet gears that have the
same number of teeth. Forward and Reverse would have
the same gear reduction. Irony is ratio would be close
to 3:1 -- it could be built.

Paul -- you need a good reason to buy a gear hobbing
machine, correct? <grin

Tom Walther

We have been looking for them for 11 years :)

Paul Lamar