Hot Off The Press: Intent To Manufacture Engines Signed With Linamar

[CrimsonEclipse]

My first line of thought for this thread is the bigger picture.

License to make the Elio engine in multiple countries.
This is a launching point for everything else.
If the engine can be manufactured in any country, FOR that country, then the Elio car can ALSO be built in ANY country for THAT country.

Since the Elio is being built to American standards, it will meet or exceed the standards of almost every country.
Think of the sales for an India built Elio. Or a Chinese built Elio.
There will be less resistance from the governments if the vehicle is not imported.

Think Globally, act Locally.

Yes, this is HUGE....


(wheeee!)

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

I don't know if it's light enough for aircraft use, .

Geo Metro Engines have been used in light aircraft in many forms for a while. One company actually specialized with them.
It's not the weight, it's the vibration.

The 3 cylinder engine has interesting vibration characteristics.

"but counter weighted camshafts and flywheels can counter this"

This is generally true but remember that automotive and aeronautical engines have entirely different usage curves.
Automotive engines run around 35-60% power at cruise. 35% for luxury and sports cars and 55-60% for economy cars.
Airplane engines run around 75-85% power during the cruise and around 95% maximum RPM.

Note:
Normally aspirated piston engines flying around 6500' (pressure altitude) at near maximum RPM will produce only 75% power with the throttle wide open due to lower air density (less air per cubic foot). It's actually an advantage since there is 25% wind resistance and the ideal altitude for light aircraft. A vast majority of autos operate near sea level.

The negligible vibration at roads speeds and RPM may have serious repercussions at flight RPM.
It may be more pronounced with a long stroke engine.

Due to weight savings requirements, common run envelope and engine positioning (more on this in a sec) an airplane engine is extremely specific and minor changes come with massive tradeoffs.

Geared engines or pulley reduced engines are poor candidates for engine front airplane designs since the engine has to be mounted low or the reduction gear (or pulley) will block the view of the pilot. a planetary gear can limit the problem with added weight, expense, complexity and maintenance costs AND different pilot technique required.

Conversely, a slightly larger hybrid airplane where the Elio engine is connected to a generator and charging system with 1 or more propellers connected to an electric motor would have a better matching of positioning, power curve, and operational cycle.
55HP may not be enough power for a 4000-6000 lb airplane, but a combination of electrical generation plus batteries could be enough for the takeoff phase while recharging would occur enroute.

 

[Sethodine]

....[stuff about airplanes]....
55HP may not be enough power for a 4000-6000 lb airplane, but a combination of electrical generation plus batteries could be enough for the takeoff phase while recharging would occur enroute.

How about an Airdrome Aeroplanes DH-2? It's a pusher. The kit shown in the video is an 80% scale replica, costs $6000 and can be built with simple hand tools. It can be powered by a 40hp Big Twin or a Rotax engine, (big twin engine used here weighs 118 lbs). If direct-drive is feasible, then perhaps it could be a good candidate! No worry about having to look over the engine

 

[Muzhik]

How about an Airdrome Aeroplanes DH-2? It's a pusher. The kit shown in the video is an 80% scale replica, costs $6000 and can be built with simple hand tools. It can be powered by a 40hp Big Twin or a Rotax engine, (big twin engine used here weighs 118 lbs). If direct-drive is feasible, then perhaps it could be a good candidate! No worry about having to look over the engine

That is SWEET! Just a couple of comments:

1. It is very polite; dare I say, "British", to paint a bullseye right where the pilot is sitting.
2. If you can put a rifle up front where that fake gun is, you could have an excellent platform for shooting deer.

 

[Sethodine]

That is SWEET! Just a couple of comments:

1. It is very polite; dare I say, "British", to paint a bullseye right where the pilot is sitting.
2. If you can put a rifle up front where that fake gun is, you could have an excellent platform for shooting deer.

Well, considering the stall speed on the DH-2 is around 28mph, hunting deer might be pretty difficult with anything short of a machine gun
Also, highly illegal :O
I would, however, make that replica Lewis Gun into a propane-powered one, to give it that genuine machine-gun sound and barrel flash!

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

How about an Airdrome Aeroplanes DH-2? It's a pusher. The kit shown in the video is an 80% scale replica, costs $6000 and can be built with simple hand tools. It can be powered by a 40hp Big Twin or a Rotax engine, (big twin engine used here weighs 118 lbs). If direct-drive is feasible, then perhaps it could be a good candidate! No worry about having to look over the engine

A pusher config gives you a few more options for engine choice, but compromises tail structure and sometimes Center of Gravity considerations.
I have a place in my heart for the old Air Cam

AirCam Flies Slow and Low - Manufactured and Distributed by Lockwood Aircraft

Sure, it's more expensive... but I go by the saying:

If it Floats, Flies, or Fornicates...
Rent it.

 

[dbatch1715]

The more of these engines that are released, the more mods will be available. If Nissan can make a 3 Cylinder engine with 400 HP, why can't this one get close to that with proper tweaking?

 

[JEBar]

The more of these engines that are released, the more mods will be available. If Nissan can make a 3 Cylinder engine with 400 HP, why can't this one get close to that with proper tweaking?

I don't believe that tweaking would do it .... I suspect that it would take pretty much replacing most if not all of the components .... the IAV motor was specifically designed to meet a definite use and all parts were selected accordingly .... just how much room that provides for tweaking is unknown

 

[Ekh]

I was thinking more along these lines:

 

[AriLea]

Clipped...

....
This is generally true but remember that automotive and aeronautical engines have entirely different usage curves.
Automotive engines run around 35-60% power at cruise. 35% for luxury and sports cars and 55-60% for economy cars.
Airplane engines run around 75-85% power during the cruise and around 95% maximum RPM.

Note:
Normally aspirated piston engines flying around 6500' (pressure altitude) at near maximum RPM will produce only 75% power with the throttle wide open due to lower air density (less air per cubic foot). It's actually an advantage since there is 25% wind resistance and the ideal altitude for light aircraft. A vast majority of autos operate near sea level. .....

I will note some points here about engine development. An innovative company could definitely use the base Elio engine and adjust for both of those issues. Mostly it's a matter of flow-benching in low pressure air, using their own custom manifolds (tuned lengths) and even turbo charger/boost selection specific to the application. If your machine shop is at 6500ft you are all set! Of course fab shop work will affect the price!

But also too, if you are most efficient at sea level, that's better for take-off if nothing else. But I suppose it's cooler to have a good climb rate at altitude so long as you can clear the trees with a full tank :-)