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  1. Mike W

    Tandem Wings

    Why two wings when one will do the job? Mike Plank.
  2. Mike W

    21st century Volksplane?

    This was my final scheme for a very similar tractor plank aircraft, I was trying to reduce the effect of various pilot weights on the CG location without positioning the pilot on the wing spar. I did't like the resulting humped back appearance spoiling the racy lines, similar to the FV60. To...
  3. Mike W

    21st century Volksplane?

    Matthew. The only change to he original MW9 design is the more conventional nose shape to give the pilot more leg room. It also looks better. Wanttobuild. I looked at an all wood design, but it was becoming something of a dogs dinner. So I am now concentrating on the original foam/ glass...
  4. Mike W

    21st century Volksplane?

    Thanks for the compliment. I am working on a set of construction drawings and hope to have them ready by the end of the year. In the meantime attached is a copy of the new B model layout and a couple of action videos to keep you going.
  5. Mike W

    A new one

    What I meant was the further forward the pilot was positioned that variations in pilot weight would have more effect on the CG travel, so I set the pilot as near the CG location as possible and compensated with some nose ballast. Hope this makes sense.
  6. Mike W

    A new one

    Four pilots have now flown the MW9, with weights ranging from 70 to 86 Kg and a CG range variation from 19.9 to 21,4 % C. No handling problems reported. I think the Backstrom plank was tested over a CG range from 18 to 22% C. My plank has some 16 LB of lead in the nose to put the CG at 20%...
  7. Mike W

    A new one

    103, We are hoping to do more flight testing this weekend and produce a drag curve for the aircraft, so far it has been tested to Vne 80 Kts. Cruise speed 55 to 60 Vs 35 Kts. Vertical stall, no tumble. No wing drop at stall. Pulled 3G. The present engine is a Cisco motors Bullmax 230cc 33...
  8. Mike W

    A new one

    Matthew. I am at present producing plans for the Plank and propose to release them later on in the year as a freebie, which can be down loaded. The wing drawings are about ready with more work needed on the fuselage, I have re designed the nacelle in wood as composites can be a bit iffy for...
  9. Mike W

    Flying wing as cheap and simple option for basic fun flying.

    Sorry Norman for putting you on the spot, from your previous threads on HBA you look to me to be very knowledgeable and well informed in aeronautical technical matters and much respected by many followers. I am an aircraft structures man myself and an amateur aerodynamicist. I was trying to...
  10. Mike W

    Flying wing as cheap and simple option for basic fun flying.

    Comments on points raised in some of the threads contained in this discussion area, based on our test flying of the MW9 plank. Tumbling. The aircraft has been stalled in the vertical attitude three times, followed by a violent rotation into a vertical dive. It does not go over the vertical...
  11. Mike W

    Flying wing as cheap and simple option for basic fun flying.

    In a pull up the elevons deflect upwards and wash out the outer wing and move the air load more inboard, thus preventing tip stalling and wing drop followed by a spin. The plank will stall. See youTube video. MW9 Plank stability & control and handling qualities
  12. Mike W

    Facet Opel

    Some time ago I attached a letter Jim Marske sent me from the co designer of the Opel in HBA, where he stated that the cause of the accident was the rear skid attached to the rear spar striking the ground and weakening it. My plank is still progressing through it's flight testing. See video on...
  13. Mike W

    Flying wing as cheap and simple option for basic fun flying.

    The MW9 was built from sketches and developed as it progressed, so plans don't really exist. I just decided in my 70's to build one last project and went for a more challenging minimum aircraft. Thanks for displaying the YouTube video, I always have trouble with IT stuff.
  14. Mike W

    Flying wing as cheap and simple option for basic fun flying.

    I agree the plank has to be the minimum aircraft to build and store, less parts drag and cost. The MW9 airframe cost me around £1000 to build and £2500 for the engine, budget flying. The engine is a single cylinder Ciscomotors Bull Max. 230cc 33 BHP at 7600 RPM. The wings un plug for transport...
  15. Mike W

    Flying wing as cheap and simple option for basic fun flying.

    I hoped to fit a Cri Cri canopy but couldn't find one. Hence a bit Cri Cri about the nose. See YouTube. Mike Whittaker's MW9 Plank On-board video
  16. Mike W

    Cracks found on Challengers

    I don't want to start putting numbers to this in case I get sucked into a legal mess. others have also criticized the design on HBA. The Canadian authorities have decided on an inspection and replacement approach to contain further failures. To eliminate present danger areas completely I...
  17. Mike W

    Trailer Design - Resources?

    The trailer is normally for transporting motorcycles to sporting events. It has a cross frame bolted on to support the aircraft on it's main wheels and a front wheel support beam. We load the aircraft from the tow bar end with the trailer removed from the car, as the tyres are too wide for the...
  18. Mike W

    Trailer Design - Resources?

    My transporter for the Plank.
  19. Mike W

    Tandem-wing LSA/microlight concept and poll

    Hot Flea. About this time I left home and went to work at Westland Helicopters and indulged in other pursuits that a young lad gets up to. So building an aircraft went on the back burner for several years. The design was influenced by the sexy formula 1 racers about such as the Cassutt. The...
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