Ok, lets explain my point of view....
Why glass? Why not all carbon?
Glass used on wings is helping to achiveve wings flexibility = better comfort.
Fuselage should be probably produced from carbon.
In any case... less carbon = lower price.
Controls, what are best proven disconnects?
They are many ways how to make safe quick connection control lines system. I would use system already well tested on gliders. Exact type will depend on available space.
Yes flaps are additional weight.
Exactly. Weight and complexity.
I know you said before difference in motors is a "lunch" but maybe take a new look at motors? Is having some mass in the motor a good thing for heat dissipation? Are there motors with less friction or that somehow give more hp out from a given wattage? Weight aside a motor that is more electrically efficient would be interesting?
Of course is good to keep eye on new motors and controllers etc. I still hope
The mechanism for propeller pitch control could be small diameter considering hp involved so folding gizmo for prop could be past cowling diameter but might it be better if having controllable pitch to just go all the way and make it full feathering?
I also personally prefer to have in flight adjustable prop. At least for first testing prototype to see real benefit of this solution (or to see that is cheaper and better to use folding prop)
Why are a whole bunch of dinky batteries soldered together better than a few prismatic batteries? -- https://www.geebattery.com/battery/3-7v-50ah-prismatic-lithium-ion-battery-supplier -- Another lunch perhaps?
Good idea with the prismatic cells
Thanks to remind me.
I know it never be speedster but lets make it as fast as possible?
Accoring to requirements (SSDR, LAA UL-2, Class 120 etc.) we have to keep Vne max. 180 kmph.
I need to diet but there are limits, what is greatest MTOM conceivable or legal?
If we want to precede expensive certification proces and pass thru "simplier" requirements we have to keep MTOM 300 kg. Note - simplier requirement doesn´t mean less safe requirement.
Is 200kmph a legal limit if not maybe make it legal limit?
200 kmph is flutter test limit. But 200 kpmh is Vd so we have to stay 10% below....
As low as possible price is dangling a carrot in front of the safety Mule?
No, request for high safety is far above price requirments. But price must be kept on mind as well since beginning.
What means "nice handling", I mean there must be some parameters that help to insure "nice handling"? Surely it isn't a "dark art".
Nice handling.... I like when control are precise and harmonized. It is subjective feeling, I know. Well lets say that should be like handling good glider (for example Discus).
By "safe flight characteristics" you mean it stalls clean? And recovers from stall easily? Also no overt tendency to aileron stall and wing over in steep slow turn? Spin recovery is "normal"? Perhaps you could explain safe flight characteristics more succinctly? As it is crucial?
Yes, I mean predictible stall characteristics, stall warning, standard spin recovey procedure etc.. Like nice handling characteristcs it is a bit subjective so in short - flight characteristics similar to school gliders.
LD 30:1 minimum so really trying for 35:1 or better but willing to accept failure if other aspects work out?
L/D 30:1 should be reasonale minimum in this e-glider category.
Here we are entering into circle of compromises (weight vs complexity of airframe vs strength requirements vs price....). So higher L/D would be nice, however I expect reality in range between 35:1 to 30:1...
"comfortable cockpit" maybe to some extent "customizable cockpit"? Or possibly if kit maybe a "fat boy" cockpit option? Maybe a couple bulges, blisters, or just more "blimpy" than standard cockpit?
Well... is practically impossible to make cocpit comfortable for every pilot size. Some "customization" would be good (adjustable pedals, different back seat or adjustable seat back position....) but I don´t think that somebody will make two cockpit sizes in this category. If I remember well - Schempp Hirth Discus has been offered with two different cockpit sizes - however Schempp Hirth is large producer of certified gliders.
Simple instrument panel is somehow not very informative?
I am still thinking about this concept. They are existing combined flight instruments however question is if you can read easily important numbers. What pilot really need?
Yes on visibility I want to see like a bird otherwise what is point?
Point is that airframe design must allow to watch perfectly upper hemisphere. So wing cannot be above cockpit (like for example Pipistrel Sinus).
Birds are usually looking down, forward and to the sides. We need to have clear view up, forward and to the sides (to area where are you turning).
Minimum safety factor for airframe 1.875 seems arbitrary?
1,875 is minimum acceptable safety factor if airframe is produced by experienced workers.
Prototype is typically tested with safety factor 1 (operating load) before first flight. Airframe must survive this load without any permanent deformations etc. Of course we usually use a bit higher load (5-10%) but rules are very exact.
Could it be painted nice bright color like beautiful balloon? White is so passé. Maybe use pre-preg fabric and an easy bake oven?
Bright colors? Why not
But I personally prefer to to avoid use of prepreg.
