Proairsport. New ultra light glider/airplane

On Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 8:46:24 AM UTC-7, Dan Marotta wrote:
I didn't see an intake for that jet...




On 3/16/2015 7:56 PM, GR8 wrote:



http://www.proairsport.com/





--

Dan Marotta

"Turning the engine on (and off) is a simple automated procedure. A small airscoop is all that opens (and closes), the engine itself remains inside the fuselage, so in flight the turbine can be turned on and off easily with glide performance little affeced."

It is kinda cute.

"...kinda cute" - It is!

Bob K. says the intake is too small and, from the looks of it, I'd
agree. Maybe they'll incorporate spring loaded plenum doors which suck
in at low airspeed to provided the necessary air for the engine. As
airspeed and plenum pressure increase the doors close and ram pressure
provides all the needed air. I am a bit concerned, however, at having a
jet engine with as much as 1,000 deg C tail pipe temperature imbedded in
a FRP structure. Or is it a turbofan with a lot of bypass air to keep
things moderately cool?

CGI makes for a pretty airplane, but I'm not convinced of its viability.

On 3/17/2015 9:57 AM, jfitch wrote:
On Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 8:46:24 AM UTC-7, Dan Marotta wrote:
I didn't see an intake for that jet...




On 3/16/2015 7:56 PM, GR8 wrote:



http://www.proairsport.com/





--

Dan Marotta
"Turning the engine on (and off) is a simple automated procedure. A small airscoop is all that opens (and closes), the engine itself remains inside the fuselage, so in flight the turbine can be turned on and off easily with glide performance little affeced."

It is kinda cute.

--
Dan Marotta

"ProAirsport is currently building two demonstration aircraft (one each for the UK and US markets) with inaugural flights expected in September/October of 2015."

http://www.gizmag.com/glow-glider-mi...irsport/36549/

They're also talking about a soaring engine-off UAV version. Investors must like idea.

Other planes/developers have previously demonstratred XC soaring with autopilots in model size gliders.

They say that the wings are proven components off-the-shelf (COTS). Might that be the PW_5 wing? Best L/D is similar.

Oh, goodie!

I can buy one and sit at home while it flies and streams video to my
smart TV. Shucks, it'll probably post better cross country flights than
I've been doing...

On 3/17/2015 11:39 AM, son_of_flubber wrote:
"ProAirsport is currently building two demonstration aircraft (one each for the UK and US markets) with inaugural flights expected in September/October of 2015."

http://www.gizmag.com/glow-glider-mi...irsport/36549/

They're also talking about a soaring engine-off UAV version. Investors must like idea.

Other planes/developers have previously demonstratred XC soaring with autopilots in model size gliders.

They say that the wings are proven components off-the-shelf (COTS). Might that be the PW_5 wing? Best L/D is similar.

--
Dan Marotta

Curious what wings it's using. From the "airframe section" on their webpage, sorta sounds like they're using wings that are already "JAR certified", thus on an existing aircraft......

On Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 1:56:56 PM UTC-4, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
Curious what wings it's using. From the "airframe section" on their webpage, sorta sounds like they're using wings that are already "JAR certified", thus on an existing aircraft......

isn't it obvious? they look suspiciously similar to PW5 wings, and have the same span....

On Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 8:23:02 AM UTC+13, ND wrote:
On Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 1:56:56 PM UTC-4, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
Curious what wings it's using. From the "airframe section" on their webpage, sorta sounds like they're using wings that are already "JAR certified", thus on an existing aircraft......

isn't it obvious? they look suspiciously similar to PW5 wings, and have the same span....

Pod and canopy look like PW5 (except for pointed nose). Undercarriage position is PW5. Only the boom and tail feathers are significantly different. Even the maximum weight is the same, though the empty weight is 10 kg less, despite the engine and funky powered dual mainwheel.

The PW-5 lawn darts over 50 kt. It takes a
bunch of work to go places, but the thing
has a nose for thermals.

Pulling up the wheels might flatten the
polar.

Finding space for the battery, jet and fuel
looks a challenge.

If the fuselage will accept PW-5 wings,
there's lots of PW-5s that might convert.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 2:00:05 PM UTC+13, George Haeh wrote:
The PW-5 lawn darts over 50 kt. It takes a
bunch of work to go places, but the thing
has a nose for thermals.

I've flown one or two hours in PW5, and even a few 250 or 300 km flights. It's worth flying 60 or 65 knots between thermals, but yes serious lawn dart by 80 knots (500 fpm down, 16:1)


Pulling up the wheels might flatten the polar.

Doubt it. It's the very thick wings hurt it at speed. Personal experience says Januses and DG1000 Clubs both go just fine at 100 knots with the wheel hanging out.