As promised, I am going to document and share my own learning curve as I tackle the design of a budget single-seater via Dan Raymer's Simplified Aircraft Design for Homebuilders. I will open a separate thread for discussion and feedback.
First off, here are the basic design criteria:
Next comes the power loading calculation which, since I've already chosen the engine, will give the estimated gross weight.
Cheers,
Matthew
First off, here are the basic design criteria:
- Single-seat, single-engine, tricycle-gear, direct-drive, tractor monoplane powered by a stock 28hp Subaru Robin EH72 v-twin industrial engine with factory fuel injection;
- Specifications within basic European single-seat microlight norms (max 60 kW power, max 300 kg gross weight, max 65 kph landing speed);
- Simple lines and straightforward construction to look and actually be suitable for first-time builders;
- Performance and handling suitable for low-time pilots;
- Sized for storage in a standard 20' ISO shipping container with wing(s) removed and leaving tail and everything else in place, meaning an overall length of 18', overall height of 7' and a tail span of 7' or less;
- Performance will naturally be limited by the low power available and microlight landing speed of 35 knots or less, but a maximum speed of at least 100 mph and an absolute endurance of 3 hours at 75% cruise seem reasonable.
Next comes the power loading calculation which, since I've already chosen the engine, will give the estimated gross weight.
Cheers,
Matthew
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