On Mon, 24 May 2004 13:48:53 GMT, "G.R. Patterson III"
wrote:



Greg Copeland wrote:

Is simple economics the answer? $30k piston versus something like $80k
turbine, or something like that?

It's certainly one answer. The price on that Maule is $450,000. With an IO-540, it's
$173,420.

I've read that there are technical problems building small turbines; ie. the smaller
the diameter of the turbine, the faster the blades must spin to produce power.

Look at the specs on those turbines used in model airplanes. The RPM
is almost unbelieveable.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

George Patterson
I childproofed my house, but they *still* get in.