heyheyjc
Junior Member
My searches here haven't yielded anything much on this topic beyond the minimum engine power (40hp seems to be at least one consensus view), but little discussion about exploring the lower limits for the whole aircraft. Some back of the envelope calcs, Gyrocalc et al, make me think that fairly normal ultralight performance could be achieved down at roughly 175lb empty.
I happily admit this sounds ludicrous (and entirely ignores crashworthiness), but looking at a downsized Chuck-Beattie-style three tube floorplan out of composites, HMD panel, an Aixro 35hp engine, fast 18.5' blades, that's what I'm getting... I'm only 165lb myself, which helps.
Has anyone given this thought experiment much... thought? Where does the concept go horribly wrong?
I happily admit this sounds ludicrous (and entirely ignores crashworthiness), but looking at a downsized Chuck-Beattie-style three tube floorplan out of composites, HMD panel, an Aixro 35hp engine, fast 18.5' blades, that's what I'm getting... I'm only 165lb myself, which helps.
Has anyone given this thought experiment much... thought? Where does the concept go horribly wrong?