I am currently building a Luciole ( by Mr. M. Colomban) . This is not easy, with very small margins .
The complexity is largely due to the lightness demanded by the designer ( 100kgs empty) to have a good performance using a B + S Vanguard motor , 23hp. A small four-stroke.
I have done many hours of research and discussions trying to find the ideal motor for a light ( ULM in France) single seat plane. IT DOES NOT EXIST!
That is a challenge to anyone to contradict me! please do!
Two-stroke is out - too noisy , consume way too much, polluting, TBO too short and Rotax have stopped theirs.
Four stroke - very few , heavy (diesel conversions) or, like the Rotax 912, are very expensive and too powerful.
Various conversions appear (light car, motor bike etc) then vanish of the net ; presumably not viable.
I now know several people with frustrated, stalled projects due to this motor problem. I am sure around the world there are many more.
Comments appreciated!:cry:
The complexity is largely due to the lightness demanded by the designer ( 100kgs empty) to have a good performance using a B + S Vanguard motor , 23hp. A small four-stroke.
I have done many hours of research and discussions trying to find the ideal motor for a light ( ULM in France) single seat plane. IT DOES NOT EXIST!
That is a challenge to anyone to contradict me! please do!
Two-stroke is out - too noisy , consume way too much, polluting, TBO too short and Rotax have stopped theirs.
Four stroke - very few , heavy (diesel conversions) or, like the Rotax 912, are very expensive and too powerful.
Various conversions appear (light car, motor bike etc) then vanish of the net ; presumably not viable.
I now know several people with frustrated, stalled projects due to this motor problem. I am sure around the world there are many more.
Comments appreciated!:cry:
