ORIGINAL: hewismayer
I thought of using a chain drive but 2.5 to 1 is about 4” and 2.8 is 5” using #35 chain.
I would use a toothed rubber belt instead of a chain. The belt is tougher, doesn't stretch and offers a bit of cushioning in the drive system.
That system would work very well for flying a 30lb bipe that flies slow and has lots of lift. Big props at lower RPM are more efficient as well.
Mark