As my earlier thread on the lack of canard LSA/microlight aircraft on the market seemed to be morphing into a discussion of tandem wing designs, I though I'd start a new thread.
I have in mind a small, light tandem-wing two-seater able to meet both LSA and French microlight rules, which means a maximum gross weight of 472 kg/1040 lb, so a target empty weight of 250-270 kg/551-595 lb and a minimum speed in the landing configuration of 65 kph/40 mph/35 knots. Ideally, I'd like to use a Type 1 VW conversion between 1835cc (65 hp max, 60 hp continuous) and 2300 cc (80 hp max, 74 hp continuous).
Why a tandem? Well, partly for the docile low-speed handling of a well-designed tandem, and partly just to do something different.
I need to crunch some numbers and do some sketches, but in the meantime here is some inspiration from 1936, the Mauboussin M.40 Hemiptère. Squint your eyes and imagine a VW out front, an enlarged cockpit for two, an enclosed canopy and trigear and you have one possible configuration.
Other concepts and suggestions welcome!
Cheers,
Matthew
I have in mind a small, light tandem-wing two-seater able to meet both LSA and French microlight rules, which means a maximum gross weight of 472 kg/1040 lb, so a target empty weight of 250-270 kg/551-595 lb and a minimum speed in the landing configuration of 65 kph/40 mph/35 knots. Ideally, I'd like to use a Type 1 VW conversion between 1835cc (65 hp max, 60 hp continuous) and 2300 cc (80 hp max, 74 hp continuous).
Why a tandem? Well, partly for the docile low-speed handling of a well-designed tandem, and partly just to do something different.
I need to crunch some numbers and do some sketches, but in the meantime here is some inspiration from 1936, the Mauboussin M.40 Hemiptère. Squint your eyes and imagine a VW out front, an enlarged cockpit for two, an enclosed canopy and trigear and you have one possible configuration.
Other concepts and suggestions welcome!
Cheers,
Matthew
