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Interest in a modern incarnation of the Farman F.455 Moustique?

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cluttonfred

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I have been kicking around ideas for a light, two-seat homebuilt that would fit within the European microlight rules (basically, stall speed below 65 kph/35 knots and gross weight under 450 kg/992 lbs). I'd use a 60-80 hp VW engine, a wood prop and simple construction for first-time builders.

I have a weakness for old-time aircraft like those in the Flying and Glider Manuals and the various European light aircraft competitions of the 1920s and 1930s. One idea I am playing with is a modern incarnation of the Farman F.455 Moustique III (aka Super Moustique). The one and only original F-AOYL used to hang in the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget. A quick Google image search will turn up other views.

Farman F455 Moustique III.jpg

The Moustique III is a mid-wing, wire-braced, side-by-side, open cockpit monoplane of wood and fabric construction something like an overgrown TEAM MiniMax. It was the only two-seat example in a line of early single-seat ultralilghts and low-powered racers that went back to the years right after WWI.

Personally, I think it would be great fun in a Walter Mitty sort of way--flying helmet, goggles and scarf, the works. But I am curious, would this appeal to others looking for a simple project?

Cheers,

Matthew
 
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