Like I said, Matt, wasn't picking on you, just chose this spot to enter. Since we get along so well, I knew you wouldn't mind!
B
ORIGINAL: MTK
ORIGINAL: protectedpilot
Not picking on you, Matt, it's just a good place to weigh in.... I've heard people say, C'mon, I'd love to fly against you with your 13 pound airplane. Tell ya what folks, anybody wants to make it a bet, and I'm game. Within reason; I'm not gonna beat Arch, Frack or Chip. BUT, I'll build up a 1250sqin wing for the Shinden and away we go. You need about 90 squares per pound, give or take, and just jacking up the weight limit will not affect performance by itself appreciably. I'd need to keep the power on a bit more a la' ballistic pattern of the 80's. Might use a gas engine, even. Raise it to 15 lb, and I'll build a 1450sqin wing and use a DA. All within 2m X 2m. A full 15 lb limit will probably put the EP's at a disadvantage again, though.
Brian
A 13 lb Pattern plane? From moi? Not on your life. I think you underestimate the slow flight capability of a large wing. I'll tell you this, put a 1200 square inch wing on a pattern plane and put 2X the power you would otherwise, ala big block gassie, and you will open up a whole new world as far as flight envelope goes. The large wing and even larger power loading enable very slow flight. Try it! I have and I know
Even with the DLE55 up front, putting EVERYTHINg on the scale, I come up with 10 lbs flat. Paint will add another few ounces and I just have to paint wings and stabs. I ABHOR plastic film.