Brünner
Well-Known Member
I got dizzy just looking at that thing.
flying cars will need to solve the problem of navigating around buildings:
What rock do you live under?Nope! FAA has authority over helicopters. The majority of helicopter operations are limited to established airports. Helicopters are not roadable. I can not purchase a helicopter for $135,000.
I do not need a helicopter and do not need VTOL. I do need an aircraft that costs less than $100,000 and I can get on and off the airport secure area and get to most any random address or area that I can drive or ride a bicycle to. If it is a FAA legal Ultralight that gives it two more stars. If it is a registered aircraft subtract two stars.
I'd want something a lot more maneuverable. A couple of times I've had to dodge other aircraft, and something as sluggish as a paraplane just isn't going to get you out of the way of the guy with his head buried in the cockpit.But if you live just a few miles from your flying field, it's a heck of a nifty toy. It's a slow, heavy, pedal powered machine, compared to a modern bicycle, so cross country riding is for athletic adventures, not practical transportation. I wonder if anyone has crossed a continent on one, yet.
Must have missed class the day they taught Aeronautical Decision Making.Dang... It's like they were aiming for the highest part of the roof line.
No, it has NOT. And I have my doubts that a ducted fan will prove out even if they get their engines sorted out!Has it flown?
BJC
Hydraulics tend to be heavy. To take the pressure, the pumps and motors are usually steel or cast iron. The hoses have significant weight, too. It's been discussed before as a form of redrive that would have little or no torsional vibration issues. The weight and efficiency losses are not at all suited to airplanes. Works well in bulldozers and hydrostatic-drive tractors, though.Was thinking...has anyone ever seen a hydraulic drive aircraft? I know hydraulic losses in power are in the 80% range, but the drive motors are small and light. Could use one for the prop and one for the wheel. Could mount engine and prop where wanted and use hoses to transmit the power. Was interested in diesel hydraulic drive for a high mpg car, bit never considered ICE hydro for an airplane.
I know hydraulic losses in power are in the 80% range, but the drive motors are small and light.
A 90% efficient pump connected to a 90% efficient motor means an overall 81% efficiency. That's likely where the 80% efficiency came from. Pretty poor for aircraft propulsion, even for driving the wheels. There is nowhere near that much loss through a mechanical transmission.-russian puls hydro pump/motor >90 % eficiency...
There is nowhere near that much loss through a mechanical transmission.
TOP GEAR's Caravan Air Ship:
flying cars will need to solve the problem of navigating around buildings:
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