ORIGINAL: bob27s
Critical is ok. You have a point, it is far from optimized, but provided as an example of where to start. Keep the frontal area to a minimum, keep the airflow as clean and useful as possible.
Compaired to a Whiplash or diamond dust, or a QM40 for that matter.... the Phenom design at least paid attention to cleaning up airflow over the engine.
Even most of the guys flying speed cup could do a bunch more to optimize.
I have to totally agree with you on your point about the cowl on the Phenom when comparing them to DD's and Whips, the phenom has gone to the next step for sure as far as reducing dirty air flow....
As for the the speed cup contenders , again you are totally correct... there a few more improvements that they can make..I noticed that on close examination, some are immediately obvious and some are more subtle to spot..
So as far as to help Raven along to achieve his goal.. in respect to being able to build but not wanting to go "the all out route eg all out engine, CF props etc" then I would suggest to make improvements that dont involve as much of the folding stuff .. therefore I think it would be better to focus on making the airframe as slippery as possible and make the most efficent cowling design you can come up with along with the rudimentry stuff like trying to hide control horns/linkages, along with a good "speed ' wing design....the down sidehere inregard to Ravens original post would be the need to at least do a little research on these aspects