Thanks for the detailed reply Larry - much learnt and much obliged.
If you plan on going with an 0-320 you probably need to look at a
different airplane entirely.
In a way I am looking at a "different" airplane. Ken Rand left us
something special in his airplanes, but he left something substantially
more valuable when he used some readily available materials and showed
us a very real construction technique - something that is affordable,
easy-to-do and friendly to modification. This is an approach that
almost anyone can relate to.
If Ken was still around, we would probably be up to the KR2 Mk10 by now
and one of them would be exactly what I wanted. Sadly he is not.
Resourceful builders have maintained the evolution with the inherent
(and inviting) flexibility of the construction method. As a result,
most have a bird that suits them and there is an unbelievable variety of
stunning KR's all around the world - of which no two are alike.
I also want to do that. I have accepted that the KR2S is not exactly
what I want, but it is close enough to form the basis of what I do want.
The changes I wish to make exceed the limits of simple mods to the
existing design - the stress numbers must be run again to ensure that
everything is kosher.
It remains for me to find qualified help in checking my proposed
structure before I start.
I'd suggest you look at something like the "Vision".
I did bwana, I looked at many, many designs, including the Vision.
Compare the numbers that count and we really have an overweight KR2sx
with a swept fin and 100% composite structure (and no KRnet). It
deviates from my preferred construction method and offers nothing above
a KR except that the stock design will accept my engine - BUT:
A key element of any airplane is the wing spar(s). I am totally
comfortable making a wood spar (from a good design /plan). I know that
the finished spar will be right and I will be comfortable sitting on it
at 5000' in heavy turbulence.
I would however be hesitant to brew a composite spar (that's me Larry).
A factory spar is available for $3,400 - but that would be losing the KR
plot before I even start. I bet $3400 will keep an average KR builder
busy for a year - should buy him (her) all the wood, foam, glue and a
hardware kit, maybe even the plans.
I flew Sakkie Halgreens KR2 (ZS-UHU) many years ago in South Africa and
did not feel comfortable.
20 years later I see a handsome new breed of stretched, widened, taller,
fixed gear airplanes made by folks like Marty Roberts and Chris
Gardiner.
I read many excellent reports (critiques), ideas, suggestions etc. by
folks like Jim Marcy; Neil Bingham; Mark Langford; Don Reid etc. - and I
know that this is where I want to be.
The rationale behind the engine thing is that I am hooked on GAMI
nozzles, I had them in my PA32 and want them in any airplane I ever own.
The choice of engine is thus the smallest aircraft engine that is fuel
injected - no other reason.
I prefer airplane engines for one reason only - they windmill - VW's
don't, they stop dead if there is a second's interruption in the fuel.
I presume that Corvair engines also don't windmill (if they do please
let me know).
Take care and have a great week - mine has already started.
Steve J
