I am spinning this off from the Nenadović biplane thread to avoid mixing the streams between the aerodynamics of the wing on one hand and the pros and cons of the engine installation on the other. On that engine installation, I think its definitely an idea worth exploring as it provides great visibility and allows shorter landing gear, though there are certainly issues of safety to address in the tractor incarnation with the props just outside the doors. There is definitely a weigh penalty compared with direct drive, but perhaps not too much when compared with other PSRU installations. Here again are those AS.37 pics and specs.
Specifications (AS-37A)
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1980/81[2]
General characteristics
Specifications (AS-37A)
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1980/81[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 6.00 m (19 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 6.30 m (20 ft 8 in)
- Height: 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 13.60 m2 (146.4 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 400 kg (882 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 620 kg (1,367 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Citroën GS 1220 4-cylinder air-cooled, 48 kW (65 hp)
- Propellers: 2-bladed
- Maximum speed: 185 km/h (115 mph, 100 kn) at sea level
- Cruise speed: 170 km/h (110 mph, 92 kn) at sea level
- Range: 1,500 km (930 mi, 810 nmi) with 90 L (24 US gal; 20 Imp gal) fuel
- Service ceiling: 4,500 m (14,800 ft)
- Rate of climb: 3.5 m/s (690 ft/min) at sea level
- Take-off run: 200 m (655 ft)
- Landing run: 140 m (460 ft)