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Old 06-05-2007 | 07:01 AM
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propjets4me
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Default RE: Designing for ultimate speed


ORIGINAL: bob27s

One parting though..... the MAIN thing you can do with aircraft design to get speed out of it, is addressing the engine installation. You will want a cowled in engine, and cowled in exhaust system. The engine/muffler/pipe... what have you.... sitting out in the breeze is a HUGE amount of drag. Not always easy to do, not alway pretty.... but done right can result in the best speed gain. Look at the Phenom thread for a decent example, and the FAI and older F1 designs for more refined examples.

Bob
Sorry to sound critical, but I would think that the Phenom wouldn't be such a good example as it looks like it still leaves a great deal of the engine exposed in the breeze, especially when compared to the speed cup contenders.. although I still think it's the best looking delta bar none