I would think that a P-200 or an Olly would be the only way to go if it were to be a single.
I understand there will be more weight with a twin P-120 plane, but how much more are we talking compared to a Olympus? The motors themselves only weigh 1.2 lbs more than an Olympus. The P-200 burns 24 oz per min, the P-120s burn 12 oz per min so I don't see the need for more fuel. Am I missing something?
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Kenny, I agree.
having seen two Hornets fly with engine combos of 160/pegasus I guarantee you'll wish you had the 200/Olly in there after the flight. there is just no comparison. the thrust / drag component on this airplane is fairly high and the 160/pegasus performs ok IMO just not gonna blow your skirt, so to speak. the 200/Olly provides a better margin of thrust vs drag but the airframe is the speed limit no matter what you install.
go with the twins (Coors so to speak) and you'll be cappin' it off after every flight. but...the 1.2lb heavier margin is not what should be your focus. thrust vs wt will be a non-issue. the engine install would be my limiting factor. the bypasses will sit directly over the landing gear area. which incidently is where all the door cylinders will reside. not to mention what type of framework will be required to mount the bypasses?? Better not dork the landing or you'll be driving the gear into the bypass etc etc. We all know it can be done so go for it but I would give Tom a shout and see what he has to say about it. I'll argue that the ease of maintenance and overall higher AUW of install will be your largest headaches.
200oz of fuel sounds great but how much is usable?? 100oz per engine of which 80oz is probably your usable fuel which leaves you with 20oz for go arounds etc. how long does 80oz last @ a moderate throttle setting? more importantly how much does 20 oz last when you're in the pattern with every other Tom/Richard and Harry trying to land? 200oz forward of the CG (granted it's not that far) makes me nervous but honestly I wouldn't carry less than 248oz. 100 in the pancake tanks, 20oz hoppers feeding a UAT per engine.
not trying to be a Holly Homewrecker (figured the "female dog-Betty" would get bleeped) but merely offering another viewpoint. It's a big project any way you slice it and two engines don't sound much different than one BIG one except at start up. Safety factor?? maybe but you better be ready with rudder trim. the plane doesnt' like yaw or X-winds.
seriously fellas good luck with the project it'll be fun to watch the progress
Buck