cluttonfred
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<DIV =smallfont>OK, I'm kicking around another design idea, this one for a light, low-powered, two-seat biplane to fit European microlight standards (450 kg/992 lb gross weight, 65 kph/40 mph/35 kt landing speed).
I am thinking wood/fabric wings and tail, wood/plywood or aluminum tube/fabric fuselage, aluminum fittings. I want four-stroke power on a budget, so that means VW direct drive, say 1835 cc at a minimum, 2180 cc if need be. I realize that that is limited power, so we are talking about generous wing area, an empty weight around 500 lbs and very modest performance expectations, say 35 mph stall, 70-80 mph cruise, and it won't see 100 mph without a tailwind.
I am not necessarily looking to make a replica, and at the scale and power I have in mind a replica might be a little cartoonish, but I am looking for inspiration. As I am fond of old British designs, two come to mind right away: the original de Havilland DH.60 Moth and the DH.87 Hornet Moth.
I am looking for more inspiration, preferably designs that were relatively low-powered to begin with. Any ideas?
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I am thinking wood/fabric wings and tail, wood/plywood or aluminum tube/fabric fuselage, aluminum fittings. I want four-stroke power on a budget, so that means VW direct drive, say 1835 cc at a minimum, 2180 cc if need be. I realize that that is limited power, so we are talking about generous wing area, an empty weight around 500 lbs and very modest performance expectations, say 35 mph stall, 70-80 mph cruise, and it won't see 100 mph without a tailwind.
I am not necessarily looking to make a replica, and at the scale and power I have in mind a replica might be a little cartoonish, but I am looking for inspiration. As I am fond of old British designs, two come to mind right away: the original de Havilland DH.60 Moth and the DH.87 Hornet Moth.
I am looking for more inspiration, preferably designs that were relatively low-powered to begin with. Any ideas?
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![20100802_051249_dh60moth.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/ebd/ebdf343417a7b81a24b6091f0bc69aa3.jpg)
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![20100802_051223_dh87hornetmoth.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/2db/2dba53642db8fda30ddf89f57774d96d.jpg)