Hi Colin, who said anything about a 200mph cruise KR2? I started a thread about a KR1, and if that kind of performance were possible and under what kind of engine scenario. I believe the consensus is that one could *approach* that with enough power, a clean and straight build, retracts, etc. The options for powering the KR that I would consider are original VW 50-80hp, turbocharged VW (mostly normalizing to altitude which dramatically helps cruise because you're in thin air but making the same power), Jabiru, and Mark mentioned the Corvair option which actually appeals the most to me. The corvair is going to be nose-heavy, but I plane to run a BRS, and can put the PC925 battery out back to balance it, should that be my choice. (Although, a normalized VW is most appealing now). No matter what, attention to the principles which result in good eprformance will only help. The performance outcome will be what it is. You are right that it's a major commitment to accomplish this and I'm sure whether cruising at 150, 175, or the elusive and maybe impractical 200, will not matter much having completed building an aircraft and flying off Phase 1 hours. My Avid cruises at 100MPH, and as wonderful a bird as she is, that just seemed slow. Even 150mph would reduce cross country times by 33%. As to your impressive 16 hours in one day that left you uncomfortable, I can only compare 9.5 hours out of 13 in my Avid on a cross country and felt fine afterwards so I plan to replicate exactly that seating.
This project is only in the planning stages which is kind of fun, as only now will no conclusions cost anything to re-consider. :) > To: krnet at list.krnet.org > Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2015 18:12:21 +0100 > Subject: KR> 200 mph cruise KR2! > From: krnet at list.krnet.org > CC: colinhales at hotmail.com > > 200 mph cruise Kr2? > Not a chance. > May be in a dive or flat out for 5 mins running nitros and burning insane > amounts of fuel. > A major reality check is required. > My 75 hp 2.2 Jabiru Powered KR2 does 148 mph flat out burning shed loads of > fuel. 7 Gallons an hour. I did fly in a competition 16.4 hours in one day in > my Kr2, and covered 1,680 NM, I needed the rest of the week off after that. > It nearly killed me. As for Jabiru's, I wouldn't be flying around the world > behind one if I thought there was a better option. Its delicate, but if you > look after it.. > Agreed, all this talk of 200 mph Kr2's is a waist of time. You'll be lucky to > finish and fly the Kr anyway, far more fail than ever get finished. > Just build what you have as well, as quickly and as easily as you can. Unless > you have years to waist and thousands of dollars to throw at new wings, then > be my guest. But just crack on with what you have got and it will be what it > will be and fly as fast as it does. I expect you will not be disappointed. > Unless you really are hoping for a 200mph cruise. 140 mph cruise in a KR1 > would be good with about 75hp > A 2.2 Jabiru in a KR1? Yes I'd go along with that. 60lb lighter than a VW of > any sorts and more powerful. Upto 100lb lighter than any other option Turbo > charging engines or talk of screaming about in Cassutts at 200 mph, yep, but > that's flat out turning 3,600 rpm and they don't last 5 minutes. > I may sound negative, but I'm trying to be as positive as I can be. You have > far bigger concerns over just the logistics of finishing the plane and flying > in it than wondering if you can make it cruise at 200 mph. > All the best and good luck with the build. > Colin Hales. > I'm presently at Wurtsboro, 60 miles North of New York, heading North East to > the very top, before heading West rapidly in about 10 days. > >
