Does anyone know of any homebuilt aircraft designed to carry four or more people on relatively modest power? Or perhaps a factory-built aircraft that could serve as inspiration for a homebuilt?
I am thinking of a modern equivalent to the DH.83 Fox Moth, not necessarily a biplane but an aircraft designed to lift a substantial load on modest power. The Fox Moth could carry could carry up to five people on a relatively small 120 hp Gipsy III engine, admittedly for short distances (reduced fuel) and with a marginal 450 fpm climb rate.
I am daydreaming about a plane big enough to carry my whole family (five of us and a dog) but still affordable. The idea would be to create an aircraft that would cost a little more than a basic two-seater initially but have essential the same operating cost as the smaller aircraft, while still being able to carrt the whole family on occasion.
For summary specs, let's say an aircraft capable of carrying a 900 lb payload and 100 lb (16 gallons) of fuel for short hops (with an auxiliary tank for longer-range cross-countries with a lighter load) and an engine no larger than a Lycoming O-320.
A few other models also come to mind...perhaps a high aspect-ratio biplane like that crazy Soviet jet cropduster or a compact pod-and-boom design like the Miles Aerovan.
Thoughts?
Cheers,
Matthew
I am thinking of a modern equivalent to the DH.83 Fox Moth, not necessarily a biplane but an aircraft designed to lift a substantial load on modest power. The Fox Moth could carry could carry up to five people on a relatively small 120 hp Gipsy III engine, admittedly for short distances (reduced fuel) and with a marginal 450 fpm climb rate.
I am daydreaming about a plane big enough to carry my whole family (five of us and a dog) but still affordable. The idea would be to create an aircraft that would cost a little more than a basic two-seater initially but have essential the same operating cost as the smaller aircraft, while still being able to carrt the whole family on occasion.
For summary specs, let's say an aircraft capable of carrying a 900 lb payload and 100 lb (16 gallons) of fuel for short hops (with an auxiliary tank for longer-range cross-countries with a lighter load) and an engine no larger than a Lycoming O-320.
A few other models also come to mind...perhaps a high aspect-ratio biplane like that crazy Soviet jet cropduster or a compact pod-and-boom design like the Miles Aerovan.
Thoughts?
Cheers,
Matthew
