New Parts (Aug 29th, 2003)

Via ebay I got my gearbox for little money.

I have abandoned the VW engine plans so far, this gearbox will go on a BMW RS 1100 motorcycle engine. It's good for 100 hp. The prop shaft is hollow, so even an adjustable prop pitch gadget could be attached.

After a long search I found these Hi-Lok fasteners recently (Alcoa Fastening Systems).

There's no slot in the head, the heads are flat, round and only protruding only 1.8mm into the airstream. When the bolts are torqued, they can be held by an small allen wrench going into the threaded end. These are HL64PB6-5 means 3/16" plus 1/64" oversize (5.11mm). So my sloppy AN-525's will become really tight-fit Hi-Loks. This choice however is not cheap, but who won't spend a few $ more for the good looks ;-))

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Engine Ideas (Aug 11th, 2003)

Due to record-high outside temperatures, low motivation and lack of bolts, building came to an (temporary) stop. However the engine selection is still in my mind. This is what I recently found:

This is the engine from a R 1100 BMW bike mounted in a 'BX Cherry' experimantal aircraft. This engine choice is very appealing:

• modern technology (4-valve, fuel injected)
• 90 HP
• on-stock redrive (Hirth) available. Redrive includes torsional damper, so modern composite 3-blade, slow-turing (and low-noise) prop can be used
• electric in-flight adjustable prop can be used
• low fuel burn, one-lever operation (digital engine controller takes care of leaning)
• reliable, proven design, spareparts plentiful available

This combination could become a jab 3300 chaser ;-)))

From the investment side this engine can be build for avery reasonable price. My calculation:

• good used engine from a low-time accident bike will cost around Eur 2000
• Hirth redrive around Eur 1700
• engine mount, exhaust (has to be individually designed anyway due to German noise emission restrictons)

Another nice installation of an R 1100.

Super silent props (no, these are NOT Photoshop fakes, they're for real)

Total expected total cost (I hope) will be around Eur 5000. From my point of view this is a much better alternative than the old-fashioned VW derivations and overpriced gas-guzzling Jabirus. Comments appriciated