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Designing around the Polini Thor 250 DS

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cluttonfred

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While the shortcomings of two-stroke engines are well-known, there are some very tempting offerings among modern paramotor engines. The water-cooled, dual-ignition Polini Thor 250 Dual Spark model is especially tempting, providing 36 hp at less than 20 kg/44 lb including electric start. It's not cheap at about USD $4,100 but that is for a complete powerplant.

Starting from a blank sheet, what kind of plane would you design around this engine? I think sticking with European microlight parameters probably makes sense given the power available and engine-out potential. That means a maximum gross weight of 315 kg/694 lb including a ballistic chute and minimum speed of 35 kt/40 mph/65 kph or less. A pusher configuration would be logical but there is also an inexpensive tractor mounting kit from the factory.

Off the top of my head, one idea that appeals to me is a "Baby Eze," a small single-seat pusher canard but with lower wing loading. Since I am not fond of working with composites, it could be a fabric-covered aluminum tube-and-gusset design with a few composite fairing. Still, I could see a quick-and-dirty Fold-a-Plane type working well, perhaps with fabric-covered wings, canard and rudder.

Other ideas?
 
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