Guys....

Just a crazy thought.

Do you think the DLE 222cc is able to pull an ultralight aircraft ?
And if yes,

what's the max weight the airframe should have ?



http://www.dle-engines.com/dleg0222.html

About 400 lbs, and lots of wing area! Lee Robinson

What about the wing area ?

Also,

400lb MAX TOTAL flying weight
or
just the weight of the airframe+engine+equipment MINUS pilot ?[&:]

Also,

Mr Robinson,

how can we calculate the maximum weight ( the weight of the airframe lets say ) an engine can pull ,

if we have the thrust generated via a prop@rpm combo ?

It would easily power some ultralights. Back in the day, a Lazair was powered by 2 Echo chainsaw engines, probably the equivalent of the BME 50's. Many of the early Quicksilvers were powered by Yamaha 100 singles.
zx32tt

UL max weight is 254 lbs. empty.

IIRC, Homer Kolb, designer of the Kolb series of ULs, first flew his with 4 chainsaw engines, about 5HP each, in 1956! He is in the EAA Hall of Fame.

The first popular ULs were hang gliders with chainsaw engines added, early '70's.

Yes but what wing loading should you achieve in order to use a 22hp engine ?[]

You're a lot more likely to get off the ground with something like the Rotax 447:

http://www.rotaxparts.net/scripts/pr...p?idproduct=33

It's about 40hp and of course has a bunch of gearbox options. You can swing up to a 66" prop at a more reasonable 2500 rpm or thereabouts. I've flown a couple 447's, good engines.

The DLE would be super loud too!

LS

Ouch..

it's a 3k $ "cheap"

True, but believe it or not, it's chump change for 40hp that'll crank a prop reliably on an airplane . Oh, and the gearbox is another $950 or thereabouts. you'll even pay a couple hundred for a prop.

Basically, take the cost of the r/c piece and add at least one 0 to the end - that's the cost of the equivalent in full scale .

I.e. take an R/C flat four 4 stroke like the O.S. at about $1700:
http://www.osengines.com/engines/osmg1320.html

add a zero and you're about at the equivalent in full scale (Rotax 912 series):

http://www.kodiakbs.com/engines/912ULS.htm

(actually this one is the 100 horse which is right at about $20,000 new)

When you get into complete planes, you need to add two 0's usually....

LS

Would you trust your life with the DLE-222? Not me. The Rotax is proven and your life is worth spending the extra money on.

I like your question and it require to think for this.
http://www.elegantairplanes.com/

I "FULLY " intend to use a DLE-170 on my Exxtacy hang Glider for next winter !
For the money and weight, that engine will have More than enough power to push
my 168 squair ft glider .

Luckely i have a 36" gap bed Lathe, so i will machine a hub for a
three blade prop that has variable pitch. Much better power for
take-off that way, then relax for cruse .

I will need to takeoff and land on wheels however,(in dead air).
Notice the complete lack of legs beliw both knees on this launch at King Mt
Idaho last year. I got to 14K ASL on that flight. This was the nationals
compitition and i placed Last . ((sigh))

In the early 80's i was #4 in the world at aerobatics on one of these devises.

Bille

I'd get rid of the electronic ignition and change over to a mag power.

Bille, too cool !!  [8D]

I was thinking of modifying a Lazair with 2 Desert Aircraft DA-150's. 3.6kg 19.5HP each. Can be done for under 4k plus labour. Any thoughts ?

Also while on the Lazair, What was the purpose of having 2 props per motor? i could understand if they were 90o offset but they are behind the other. would it change much of the characteristics if they were 90o offset instead?

I fly with a 24HP Teledyne that cost $650. plus shipping and it's a four stroke,look on u-tube for kevins minimax,I will sale the plane with engine for $6,000. I have 110 hours on this engine.The plane with engine is 252 lbs.

The reason for the double props on the Lazair was one of economics. The original Lazair was powered with twin 5.5hp chainsaw motors swinging a single prop each. The propellers had to be custom made and they had to order a large quality. When the engines were upgraded to the 9.5hp Rotax 185s, they still had a bunch of props left over, so rather than order new props they just put 2 on each each and it actually works very well.

I bought a Lazair last year and I'm thinking of putting a couple of DA 150s on it.

Ian