Debaker
Well-Known Member
Hi all. I’m building a Ragwing Special ultralight biplane. Before starting on the fuselage, I’d like to nail down which engine I’m going with, since I’d like to modify fwf to be wooden bed mount, which will require me, ahead of building, to be pretty sure of engine weight and dimensions. The choice is between a half VW or V-twin (likely the vanguard 23 or predator 670). I expect for the plane to come in at or under 254 lbs. For reference, the prototype flew with both a 1/2 VW and rotax 277, though not amazingly. The plans note that 35hp is ideal (Kawasaki 440 on prototype and many subsequent builds has provided very good performance). Considerations for me are, more or less equally: reliability, cost, weight, and fuel efficiency. I’ve been following the v-twin threads here, and am hopeful that one would work fine on this plane. On the other hand, it seems 1/2 VW’s are far more proven, though perhaps more expensive—and a bit heavier. Anyways, which engine would you choose and why? Thanks! 
Last edited:
