billyvray
Well-Known Member
I am sketching up a 3 view for a two seat, side by side seating, steel tube fuselage aircraft. I am on the fence between metal wings or composite wings. Some thoughts, and questions:
1) steel tube mainly for durability, crash protection, and it's really not that slow vs other construction if all the itty bitty tabs are minimized
2) wings - I'm not a big fan of sheet metal construction. I prefer composites for wings and tails. Just an opinion. Likely a Hershey bar or a slight taper. Cantilever, foldable.
3) SBS seating - Nothing beats a single place but getting kids and newbies up I think SBS is better, and roomy when flying solo. And I just don't fancy the look of the Sonerai 2 front seat area.
4) Mission profile - I personally love the Sonerai aircraft. They are a tiny bit hotter than I want. I do love the low wing look but need shorter strip capability, LSA range. Envision a Sonerai with a different airfoil, longer wing, maybe narrower chord (higher aspect ratio).
5) simplicity is key- flat panel canopy (PIK26) like Eaves Skeeter (another inspiration, but maybe a tad fast) - If I can make it look good.
So, I'm working up a sketch for something like a mix between a Sonerai and an Avid, or Kolb Laser. There just aren't any low wing steel tube aircraft I can find. Composite structure (maybe tubing...) wings with fabric cover. Engine - I'm leaning towards the Suzuki car engines or Yamahas with redrives - I know they are more complex than a Vw, but I'm thinking a bit more prop for slower end 2 person capability.
I don't own Sonerai plans but would love to have or see a set- particularly the wing/fuse interaction and folding. I may buy a set if no one has any to share.
I appreciate thoughts on it. Pics added for interest!
1) steel tube mainly for durability, crash protection, and it's really not that slow vs other construction if all the itty bitty tabs are minimized
2) wings - I'm not a big fan of sheet metal construction. I prefer composites for wings and tails. Just an opinion. Likely a Hershey bar or a slight taper. Cantilever, foldable.
3) SBS seating - Nothing beats a single place but getting kids and newbies up I think SBS is better, and roomy when flying solo. And I just don't fancy the look of the Sonerai 2 front seat area.
4) Mission profile - I personally love the Sonerai aircraft. They are a tiny bit hotter than I want. I do love the low wing look but need shorter strip capability, LSA range. Envision a Sonerai with a different airfoil, longer wing, maybe narrower chord (higher aspect ratio).
5) simplicity is key- flat panel canopy (PIK26) like Eaves Skeeter (another inspiration, but maybe a tad fast) - If I can make it look good.
So, I'm working up a sketch for something like a mix between a Sonerai and an Avid, or Kolb Laser. There just aren't any low wing steel tube aircraft I can find. Composite structure (maybe tubing...) wings with fabric cover. Engine - I'm leaning towards the Suzuki car engines or Yamahas with redrives - I know they are more complex than a Vw, but I'm thinking a bit more prop for slower end 2 person capability.
I don't own Sonerai plans but would love to have or see a set- particularly the wing/fuse interaction and folding. I may buy a set if no one has any to share.
I appreciate thoughts on it. Pics added for interest!