wrote on 1/28/2020 6:59 AM:
Perhaps you did not catch the "relatively"? Engine bay is already there, the
doors are there, it is engineered and built for the weight, the extraction
mechanism is already there, even the prop and boom. So yes, "relatively
simple" compared to retrofitting say an ASW27, which is being done, and has
none of those things.

I am not a stranger to complexity, or aircraft design.
"How hard could it be" That depends. Certainly if you already have an engine
bay, and lift mechanism, you have a great start. No engineering the hole in the
fuselage, etc. If you have a proven drive system, much of the next part is more
easily accomplished. 2 meaningful issues with converting the later Schleicher
ships: 1) Where do the batteries go? Engine bay has some room but CG
possibilities become limited. Wing installation would most certainly involve
major stuff in any of the hard tank wings. Support and service access are non
trivial. This is the major task on the '34. The rest is mostly transplanting
proven motor and drive into the '34 from the 32E. 2) Engine bay size matters
because it limits available prop diameter and this is a real issue in getting
performance out of the drive.

There is a significant size compartment between the engine bay and gear wheel that
could hold batteries, and more space in the gear well that has the 16 liter fuel
tank. Some batteries can be placed in the engine bay, as an electric motor is
lighter than the Wankel and all it's accessories (starter, muffler, oil tank, etc).

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1