Hartmut, You and I already churned through this discussion ourselves and essentially came to the same conclusions. But I'm wondering why the Coupe Cruiser couldn't have a 2-control option. As I started re-connecting my flight control linkages, I realized how simple it would be to go back to a 2-control setup on my airplane thanks to the elegant yet simple design of the control mast. I agree that with the many high-priced LSA designs coming onto the market right now, anything that is going to compete better offer either superior engineering, lower price, or something unique that the others can't offer. Even though "purists" like to belittle the two-control concept, it could be a selling point for LSA. Wonder why the Coupe Cruiser designer doesn't try to offer something unique and proven if he wants to compete against the new generation of certified LSA designs?
When I look at a C-150/152 and the SkyCatcher, I can't help but think how much cleaner my Ercoupe looks. With a low-drag cowling, more advanced outer wing panels, and a 2-control option; it could generate some interest. My concern would be that although there might be some sales, it would be such a low volume that it would lose money. The best way to revive a design based on the 'coupe would be to sell the concept and engineering back to a major certified aircraft manufacturer. Would Mooney have another go at it to penetrate the LSA market? If they did, would they insist on the single tail (yucch!)? Would Beech (Raytheon) like another shot at the aircraft they passed up? My Beech-nut friends all like the twin tail design because it reminds them of the BE-18. Could this be a marketing tool for a Beech/Raytheon LSA? Keith, are you getting this? Best, Dave --- In [email protected], Hartmut Beil <hb...@...> wrote: > > > ED. > > > > I looked at the ad in Barnstormers: > > > > INVESTORS WANTED INVESTORS WANTED Seeking investors to help launch a new > and updated version of the Ercoupe call the CoupeCruiser. Major of design and > analysis has bee completed, looking to produce prototype and kits. Contact > Keith A. Courson, Owner - located Thornton, CO USA Telephone: 303-523-5974 > Posted March 19, 2010 > > > > There is a picture included that shows the "Coupe Cruiser". > > > > So it is the guy you are talking about. > > > > I think it is legit, but I don't think that this design will ever take off. > > > > When you think it through, it needs only a few minutes to come to the > conclusion that building an ErCoupe is not feasible anymore. At least not a > two control aircraft. > > The Coupe Cruiser was meant to be a three control version. If you build a > three control airplane, there is no point in having the expense of dual > rudders with the complicated mechanic that drives them. > > One good sized rudder would be enough. That changes the elevator as well. > Conventional controls resulting in a conventional aircraft. > > With a three control aircraft you don't need a trailing landing gear since > cross wind landings can be mastered by cross controlling the plane, and step > by step the design of the Ercoupe, it's unique features disappear. > > You will end up along the lines of an Rans like airplane or one of the Zenith > aircraft - a Zodiac maybe. > > Or the Sport Cruiser that Piper just bought from the Czechs. They call it > Piper Sport and it is a big hit in my eyes. > http://www.newpiper.com/home/pages/PiperSportPhotoGallery.cfm > > The creators of the Sport Cruiser do have a new plane out there. This time > made from composite materials, where the Sport Cruiser is an aluminum > airframe. > > http://www.dynamicaero.org/performance-specs.htm > > Like the Coupe Cruiser is planned to be made from. > > > > The Coupe Cruiser would compete with these existing models. > > And I am afraid that market is not that easily to penetrate anymore. > > > > And the market for a true Ercoupe, following the safety ideas of Fred Weick > probably never existed. > > > > Hartmut > > > > > > > To: jeff.free...@...; [email protected] > From: e...@... > Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:23:44 -0500 > Subject: RE: [ercoupe-tech] Ercoupe revival > > > > > > > > > > This is the guy who has been working for several years to build an updated > Coupe. > > He has some files and messages on his long-time forum on Yahoo: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/coupecruiser/ > > I've corresponded with him a few times in the past and he seemed like a > sensible person. He's been taking it slowly. > > But, I don't know what the production costs would be on a plane with his > construction. Would it be viable? No idea. Are his design changes to the > structure and aerodynamics good again, I have no idea. > > Note: Please don't double post. There are only a couple of people who are > not members of tech. > > Ed > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. > https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969 >
