cluttonfred
03-27-2012, 09:18 AM
OK, following up on my earlier design contest thread, please help me refine this notional concept for a design contest:
AIRPLANE IN A BOX
The purpose of this contest is to encourage the development of simple, low-cost designs to make flying more affordable and accessible. The idea is not only to encourage lighter, lower-powered designs with reduced materials, engine and fuel costs but also to reduce storage costs. The "airplane in a box" is a two-seat, single engine light aircraft can be easily hangared in a surplus 20' shipping container (see dimensions for 20' standard dry container (http://www.schumachercargo.com/shipping-container-sizes.html)). The compact storage dimensions would also maximize space in a conventional hangar or allow trailering home. Overall specifications would roughly follow European microlight (French ULM) requirements in order to encourage designs that could be built as experimental, LSA or microlight as appropriate in as many countries as possible. Here's a first draft:
Two-seats
Single-engine
Fixed-pitch propeller
Gross weight 450 kg (992 lb) or less (472.5 kg (1,042 lb) or less if fitted with a ballistic parachute)
Useful load 200 kg (441 lb) or more
Range 300 km (186 miles) or more with 30 minute fuel reserve
Maximum level speed 161 kph (100 mph) or more
Minimum speed 65 kph (40 mph) or less
Take-off/landing in 300 m (984 ft) or less over a 15 m (50 ft) obstacle
Dimensions L 5.25 m (17 ft 3 in) x W 2.15 m (7 ft) x L 2.15 m (7 ft) or less in "wheelable" storage configuration
Storage configuration to flight-ready in 15 minutes or less by one person
Feedback welcome!
Cheers,
Matthew
AIRPLANE IN A BOX
The purpose of this contest is to encourage the development of simple, low-cost designs to make flying more affordable and accessible. The idea is not only to encourage lighter, lower-powered designs with reduced materials, engine and fuel costs but also to reduce storage costs. The "airplane in a box" is a two-seat, single engine light aircraft can be easily hangared in a surplus 20' shipping container (see dimensions for 20' standard dry container (http://www.schumachercargo.com/shipping-container-sizes.html)). The compact storage dimensions would also maximize space in a conventional hangar or allow trailering home. Overall specifications would roughly follow European microlight (French ULM) requirements in order to encourage designs that could be built as experimental, LSA or microlight as appropriate in as many countries as possible. Here's a first draft:
Two-seats
Single-engine
Fixed-pitch propeller
Gross weight 450 kg (992 lb) or less (472.5 kg (1,042 lb) or less if fitted with a ballistic parachute)
Useful load 200 kg (441 lb) or more
Range 300 km (186 miles) or more with 30 minute fuel reserve
Maximum level speed 161 kph (100 mph) or more
Minimum speed 65 kph (40 mph) or less
Take-off/landing in 300 m (984 ft) or less over a 15 m (50 ft) obstacle
Dimensions L 5.25 m (17 ft 3 in) x W 2.15 m (7 ft) x L 2.15 m (7 ft) or less in "wheelable" storage configuration
Storage configuration to flight-ready in 15 minutes or less by one person
Feedback welcome!
Cheers,
Matthew