----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
You guys seem to forget that there is someone out here who has been
researching the construction of a composite coupe for some time.
I started out planning to recreate the wooden coupes but with
modern
composite techniques a fiberglass airframe can be made around 20% lighter
than aluminum without significant reengineering or changing the design of
the aircraft at all, unlike wood. The only real drawback is that the
plane
won't fare quite as well in a severe impact since composite the parts will
break instead of bending like metal. To simplify future repairs I plan on
using screws or adhesives in some places instead of rivets so the plane
will
be much simpler to construct and repair. And for those of you that just
love the polished silver birds, yes it is possible to have an aluminum
skin.
All in all I think Fred would approve.
I had envisioned just building a plane for myself, or coordinating
with someone else to build a matched set, but it won't be too hard to make
kits once I get started so I might do that. I'll keep you informed once I
start.
As far as engine choices, William Wynne has won me over and I will
probably
be flying the first SIX cylinder Ercoupe. Smartplugs will probably be
added
later for multi fuel capability.
The instrumentation will likely be a glass cockpit system weighing in at
around 8 lbs and will be the most expensive part of the plane at nearly
$10K.
Between a lighter airframe, engine, and avionics I am shooting for a true
600Lb empty weight. A couple of tweaks to the rigging (an aileron trim
system to lower both ailerons about 3 degrees a la "flaperons") and it
should meet LSA standards easily. The special category would even let me
sell fully built aircraft if I wanted to. (Who knows, I might, anyone
interested in a 600lb 110knot coupe for under $50K?)
Chris
==========================================================================
====
To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm
Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers/
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
