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  1. topspeed100

    Smallest possible ultralight for real men 230lbs

    Charles Fauvel and his flying wings I like this 85 kilos empty.
  2. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    ..on sea level that is.
  3. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Solar Challenger was only 80 kilos empty...it is esy to make lite if you don't need to go 260 km/h.
  4. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    I wonder if we can re-open the Solar aeroplane top speed in high altitude....if we leave the space out ? This has to go 500 km/h in 35km to stay airborne.
  5. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Pteromys volans is a gliding squirrel...just about the closest thing here to this Solar Eagle derivative.
  6. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    I think the PLATYPUSSIES weren't asked if they wanted to be on Schneider ship....were they? First Platypus in space will not only benefit aussies. It has been said Platypus is a sign that GOD had sense of humour. Sorry autoreply !
  7. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Jan...flying in the thermals at 280 km/h needs a robust strong kite. This goes gently at 50 km/h like in an escalator to heavens !
  8. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Sorry cluttonfred for " highjackin " the thread.
  9. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Xanadrone + Jan... This 3 seater is doable with 1/15 th of the cost of a Solar Impulse. It is a bit too DDRish in its spartan appearance, but proves the point...you can get a real low drag and weight if you have the lay out like this. Of course anyone can make it bigger.
  10. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Wright Bros and Benoist were on the right track.
  11. topspeed100

    Smallest possible ultralight for real men 230lbs

    No I am suffering from a loss of a job still.
  12. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    I meant a sail plane is a thermal soarer and designed to be that way..for the last century or so..even earlier if we consider Liliethal.
  13. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Rigt this has now Solar Ipulse wing loading but 1o times more power on cruise..and less wing loading with one man flying. I think it boils down to how efficient the one man pressurized prone position cockpit will be.
  14. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    No Jan...10 kw engine weighs 2.5 kilos...and batteres for 30 minutes flight about 6 kg each (as 3 seater ). Idea is to catch the sunlite in 30 minutes...and have some sorta fly by change.
  15. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    I agree 100%...some people don't seem to be able to make a difference betwen an efficient motor plane and a motorized glider.
  16. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    I am sure this three-seater is a must soon !
  17. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    Right top and under side together around 500 sq ft ! It would be intesting to see if leaves the gorund also with 3 people. It has now less frontal than a SPATZ L 5 sail plane.
  18. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    It should reach 10 km at 5% efficient ( cheap panels ).
  19. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    There is certainly some interference drag..but the wingloading is 10 kg /m2 loaded..thus he speed is also very slow..30-40 km/h....with little sun shine.
  20. topspeed100

    Flying on 14 hp

    The benefits of the above are .. 1. Fuselage is light like LZ 129 structure...2....wings are very lite with huge AR and SPAN...3...it maximizes the solar panel area...thus flies also with 5% efficient panels ( if needed )...in bad weather..
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