If anyone has any other design ideas please send them my way.
I also need help with powerplant choice and propeller. The current theory is to work with ElectraFlyer's kits, ElectraFlyer.com - Price List.
I'm planning to build an electric powered sailplane - Microlift glider (Microlift glider - Wikipedia) over a period of 7 years with a budget of approximately 10,000AUD.
Design Criteria :
low cost
folding/dismantlable wings
narrow fuselage
an electric motor powerplant
simple construction
steel fuselage with fabric covering
a possible empty weight of sub-100kg and 200kg MTOW
etc..
Design idea: I really like how compact this design is, but I want to know if there are any drawbacks with such a design. I prefer this low mounted boom fuselage rather than a high mounted one as its significantly easier to transport.
After more researching, I leaning over towards wood aircraft since there are usually cheaper and easier to work with.
the Kr-2 below.
PS. I have worked with wood for the past 3-4 years at school.
I'm building a tricyle version because its easier to take-off and land, plus I don't need any special training. Is a starter, alternator and battery the only parts required to get a electric startup system. Not intending to build anything else electrical.
Also what do you mean by
Okay I've been doing extensive research on the Hummel Bird. I have divided most of the costs into different batches so I don't end up spending $17,000+.
Please review the spreadsheet below.
Hummel Bird
Also I wanted to ask if hand-propping an engine is safe or not. And if not how would I go about installing an electric starter.
Thanks,
So I should get my license before starting to build, because I was thinking otherwise. I was planning to start construction on the plane, so buy plans, tools (dont need big power tools since I got school equipment) and material since its cheaper to start (to my knowledge). Then when I'm done on the plane I can start on my license, which means 6 months of training alongside Uni or work. Then trasition training if required.
Anyway thats how I think I might pan things out as.
Just been doing some research on the HummelBird because you can build it for around 10k USD, but I started getting worried when I saw all the accidents that have happened. I wanna be sure what I'm building is safe so can you give me some insight?
Yeah, I've been doing extensive research for the past 2-3 weeks, but it seems as I'm not getting anywhere! I was initially looking at an RV-4 kit but now I'm looking at scratch building a Hummel aircraft (HummelBird or Ultracruiser)
Thanks for resources btw!
Mum says no, but my dad is coming in October and he might be more optimistic about it :)
Will keep you updated.
PS I live significantly closer to Jandakot (only a 30min) compared to Mandurah (about 1h and a half).