View Single Post
  #5  
Old July 2nd 05, 06:21 PM
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default



Netgeek wrote:
wrote in message
snip

What drawbacks, aside from the folding wings and the fact that the
engine is no longermanufactured, are you aware of?


Seems to me like those are reason enough 8-).... I also had quite
an interest in this design years ago and recently saw the example
which is now hanging in the Smithsonian (very slick, BTW)... but
regarding the reference to "folding wings" - it's my understanding
that they only fold up *once* - always in midair - and only if they
don't outright disintegrate first!!!


Yes and the design was changed to use riveted rather than 'bonded'
wing spars. I'm not sure what is meant by 'bonded', epoxied?
If so, it remains unclear if the problem was with the choice of
materials or improper assembly by the builders.

Even if so, a kit plane should not require particularly sophisticated
skills on the part of the builders.

The engines are still available, just not new and probably some of
the new paramotoring engines would be usable.

Finally, a designer, considering the perforamance of the moni,
migh consider it a useful jumping off point for a new design.

Is there any other hombuilt that can cruise at 120 mph on a 25 hp
engine and has a 25/l glide ratio?

--

FF