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  1. K

    Mazda Rotary - what are the issues to be overcome?

    Lendo, The Aluminum / Alumina Oxide CMC alloys that Gamma Alloys sells are stronger than 6061 and 7075 at elevated temperatures (going off of memory, somewhere between 3 and 4 times stronger, though it still melts near the same temperature as ordinary Aluminum because it's still mostly just...
  2. K

    Mazda Rotary - what are the issues to be overcome?

    I'm just thinking out loud here, but feel free to jump all over me and tell me how stupid this would be. I'm just trying to work out what a simplified variant of this existing design might look like. Yes, it's long and rambling, much like my thoughts on this. Feel free to skip over it if that...
  3. K

    Mazda Rotary - what are the issues to be overcome?

    If someone is serious about building an all-Aluminum engine, then it might be worth their while to speak to someone from Gamma Alloys. Anyone who thinks it'll be cheaper to design and manufacture this new engine than using the existing Continental or Lycoming engines is a bit more optimistic...
  4. K

    Mini-IMP?

    If the wing loading and CG remains exactly the same as the prototype, will the flight characteristics of the plane I want to build be substantially worse than the prototype simply because the wingspan is reduced a little? The prototype had a 10.9 lb / sq ft wing loading at gross weight. That's...
  5. K

    Mini-IMP?

    You may very well be proven correct in your thinking about which type of engine to use to contend with the torsional vibration issues. This build is an experiment for me and I would like to experiment with available new technology, if permitted to do so. A potential success or failure will...
  6. K

    Mini-IMP?

    If you can provide a link to a complete 4 cylinder VW engine that weighs less than 135 lbs and makes 60 hp, I'm very interested. The O-100 (less starter, alternator, exhaust system, and oil) weighs 105 lbs. I added the weight of a B&C 30 amp alternator to the base weight of the engine because...
  7. K

    Mini-IMP?

    Ok, thanks for the info. I can see that my thinking about this was incorrect. I was thinking about this in terms of degrees of rotation of the crankshaft before a particular cylinder fires once instead of all cylinders firing once.
  8. K

    Mini-IMP?

    If the O-100 was a two stroke, power strokes would occur every 360 degrees of rotation. Since it's a four stroke like the Continental O-200 it's based on, power strokes occur every 720 degrees of rotation.
  9. K

    Mini-IMP?

    With respect to weight, I think you're exaggerating a little. The empty weight of the Mini-IMP and the BK Flier prototypes are within 40 pounds of each other and both prototypes used VW conversion engines with very similar power ratings. The 70's era Limbach probably weighed a little more than...
  10. K

    Mini-IMP?

    Thanks for the input from everyone here who provided alternatives. There were some I wasn't even aware of that other members posted here and I decided to review my options again. I'm sure the RV series are excellent aircraft for homebuilding, but all models listed on Van's website cost far...
  11. K

    Mini-IMP?

    Apart from the Hummelbird, does anyone else have any recommendations for single seat aircraft? I'm not interested in carrying passengers. The RV-12 is $60K+. My budget is $40K.
  12. K

    Mini-IMP?

    If I'm carrying my children with me, it'll be in a type certificated aircraft maintained by professionals. I'll do everything I can to ensure my personal airplane is airworthy, but I'm not building it to fly family or friends anywhere. It's a lower operating cost alternative to renting from my...
  13. K

    Mini-IMP?

    Thanks for the info. I didn't realize there was a version with tricycle landing gear. I looked into the Hummelbird, but mistakenly thought they were all tail draggers. I'll consider it, but I already have money invested in the Mini-IMP.
  14. K

    Mini-IMP?

    What do you think the right right airplane is for my use? Is there some reason I can't use a different prop to give me better climb performance in exchange for a lower cruise speed? I do have a very limited aviation background: My first exposure to aviation was in the Navy as an enlisted man...
  15. K

    Mini-IMP?

    To the OP, This is my first aircraft build, so I have no basis for comparison, but I'll let you know how it goes. I decided what I wanted to do with my aircraft first and then I factored in the relative complexity of constructing the airframe into the decision to build it. I can tell you that...
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