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Neglected homebuilt niche?

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cluttonfred

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The PGK-1 Hirondelle discussed in other threads got me thinking about a modest E-AB two-seater optimized for smaller engines, say 100-125 hp. There seems to be a gap between the LSAs with 80-100 hp Rotax 912 power and the RVs and others usually sporting 180 hp or bigger Lycomings with a few exceptions including the RV-9, which is limited to and optimized for the O-320 at the most.

Looking at the Vans specs, even they seem to suggest that in many cases an O-235 would work just fine and be cheaper in the long run for some of their designs, yet you don't see many such installations. Then again, if I remember correctly, some designs like the Lancair started out with O-235 power but quickly moved on to larger engines.

Do folks think there would be interest in a new E-AB (not LSA) design along the lines of an RV-9 "light," in other words, optimized for good performance on an O-235 at the lowest possible cost, or does the "bigger is better" approach mean that homebuilders wouldn't go for something like that today?

PGK1.jpg
 
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