G.V. Strutt wrote: >I would like to know what the average pilot size is for the KR1 . > Can a KR1 be made to fit a pilot of the following dimensions: > 6 foot 3 inches, weight 205 Pounds. > cockpit width required is 24 inches. > KR1 to be fitted with 1600 vw engine.
You can certainly build a KR1 to fit just your body, by simply expanding the dimensions given on the plans to fit yourself. That'll require more thought, but it shouldn't be that much more effort, considering how skimpy the plans are to start with. Just keep in mind that the plans were designed for a guy that was something like 5'-4" and maybe 140 pounds, and he didn't leave any extra room anywhere. I should qualify that with the fact that I've never built a KR1, but I have modified a KR2S in a manner similar to what you're talking about. As far as the 1600cc engine goes, I'll bet 98% of the folks on this list shudder at the thought of flying behind a 1600cc VW engine. The power level is just too far down there for any kind of decent climb performance. No doubt it could be done, however. And 1600cc engines often don't have the larger "Force One" main bearing at the prop end, as done by Great Plains. If you're going to the trouble of machining the case for the larger bearing, you might as well make it an 1835cc engine, which itself isn't a stellar performer either. Several folks are replacing 1835cc engines with Corvairs, so it may be that you could pick one up for relatively cheap. But I think you COULD build a KR1 to fit you that was powered with a 1600cc engine, but I'd be willing to bet it wouldn't be long after you started flying it before you'd be looking at other engine options. That's just my opinion, based on comments over the years from pilots who've flown 1835's. I'm not sure I know of anybody actually flying a 1600cc engine, if that gives you a clue... Mark Langford, Harvest, AL see homebuilt airplane at http://www.N56ML.com email to N56ML "at" hiwaay.net
