I find myself daydreaming about an enclosed two-seater with retro look for the little, lightweight 60 hp Verner 5VL (see full specs on Scalebirds site, scroll down to 5VL).
I am thinking European microlight weights and speeds (450 kg/992 lbs gross weight, 65 kph/40 mph minimum speed) or perhaps the slightly higher French limits (500 kg/1102 lbs, 70 kph/43 mph). I would want it to have acceptable performance two-up, meaning a climb rate of at least 500 fpm at gross weight in standard conditions, which is better than the published numbers for a J-3 Cub (a little heavier but with 5 hp more).
There are lots of 1920s-1940s open-cockpit designs with small radial engines that come to mind but few enclosed options. So far, the best I idea I have come up with is inspired by the CAC CA-6 Wackett, likely with Cub-style overlapping tandem seating to limit CG travel, Hershey bar wings, and a big side-hinged canopy for simplicity and light weight. The result would be about the size, weight, power of a Druine Turbi with a VW engine.
I've messed around with similar ideas for side-by-side two-seat microlight and I have not come up with anything better than to repower a stock Jodel D.11 or D.18 with the Verner as a nod to the original prototype Jodel D.11 that first flew with a 40 hp Salmson radial. Of course, there are also plenty of high-wing inspirations like the Monocoupe.
Any more inspirations come to mind?
I am thinking European microlight weights and speeds (450 kg/992 lbs gross weight, 65 kph/40 mph minimum speed) or perhaps the slightly higher French limits (500 kg/1102 lbs, 70 kph/43 mph). I would want it to have acceptable performance two-up, meaning a climb rate of at least 500 fpm at gross weight in standard conditions, which is better than the published numbers for a J-3 Cub (a little heavier but with 5 hp more).
There are lots of 1920s-1940s open-cockpit designs with small radial engines that come to mind but few enclosed options. So far, the best I idea I have come up with is inspired by the CAC CA-6 Wackett, likely with Cub-style overlapping tandem seating to limit CG travel, Hershey bar wings, and a big side-hinged canopy for simplicity and light weight. The result would be about the size, weight, power of a Druine Turbi with a VW engine.
I've messed around with similar ideas for side-by-side two-seat microlight and I have not come up with anything better than to repower a stock Jodel D.11 or D.18 with the Verner as a nod to the original prototype Jodel D.11 that first flew with a 40 hp Salmson radial. Of course, there are also plenty of high-wing inspirations like the Monocoupe.
Any more inspirations come to mind?
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