Yes, you read that right, and if this was the first day in April you’d be right in thinking I was pulling your chain!
Saw a programme on the Discovery Channel at the weekend (Extreme Machines?) and there was a segment about a plane built by a chap in America – and it was powered by a LAWNMOWER ENGINE!
Can’t remember his name, or the name of his plane, but it was very light and could shift (130mph+).
Anyone out there know what it is?
By: DazDaMan - 5th June 2004 at 16:04
If I remember rightly the Taylor Monoplane prototype was powered by a JAP of some kind – I’ll have to look it out.
By: Melvyn Hiscock - 5th June 2004 at 11:51
There is a company (can’t remember who) in the buisiness of modifying BMW flat twins for aircraft use and will even turn the heads around for use as a pusher
There is one on a strip just north of Winchester. It is being finally sorted at the moment.
MH
By: mike currill - 5th June 2004 at 11:49
There is a company (can’t remember who) in the buisiness of modifying BMW flat twins for aircraft use and will even turn the heads around for use as a pusher
By: Melvyn Hiscock - 5th June 2004 at 11:44
Speaking of unusually powered aeroplanes, would a “Pou de Ciel” or similar use a motorcycle engine? I spoke to an ex-RAF pilot the other week who said that his first plane was powered by the engine from his motorbike.
Quite a few early aircraft used motorbike engines. The JAP flat twin was one I think. Vincent motor bike engines were used in target drones.
MH
By: mike currill - 1st June 2004 at 08:46
That’s amazing. I knew about the DA-11 but not about the one off B&S powered variant as the normal engine used in these machines is in the region of 100-150hp
By: DazDaMan - 1st June 2004 at 08:24
That’s the one, Bigglesworth! Many thanks.
Didn’t realise it was so small! 😮
By: Bigglesworth - 31st May 2004 at 23:24
Beats cutting the lawn…
Ah! wondered how long it would take you to find that one Daz!
Did we get bored cutting the lawn then?!! 😀 :rolleyes:
It would be the DA-11, 18hp Briggs and Stratton powered! It goes to prove a point on how little power is needed for flight. Acceleration might be an issue though. It was built as a one-off.
Here’s the link:
http://www.aircraft-spruce.com/da11.html
Also interesting at 20Hp: !!! Dialup users: image intensive !!!
http://www.leroyent.com/jpx-index.htm
Nick
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May 31, 2004 at 10:01 pm