In a message dated 26/01/97 19:58:58, you write:
>>main disadvantage of the retractable main gear may be a need to adjust the
bungee tension<<
For "may" read "will" in my experience, (and it hasn't flown yet).
There must be a coil spring or gas-strut system which could supply the
necessary urge.
One of the advantages of the monowheel; might be the possibility of spinning
it up before landing, to avoid that expensive groinch on hard runways. The
wheel has to get up to around 900 rpm before it stops skidding at landing
speed. A drum of a quarter of the wheel diameter in contact with the tyre
would therefore need to run up to 3600 rpm to pre-spin it. As long as it has
enough torque to overcome static friction, it can take its time over it, so a
high energy input rate is not required. Pity there isn't room for scoops on
the side of the wheel or it would do part of the job itself. -or get
Michelin- man to cast a scoop-type tread.
Now for the light relief - shouldn't be difficult to convert the passenger
pedals for the power input - make them pay for the drag they contribute -
provides excercise during long flights, emergency generator ?, shorten take
off runs ! and who knows, eventually woman-powered flight.
BTW after the car-top take-off at Kemble, will the lads down there try it
with a Europa and let us know the result. I have a friend who is a servo
engineer and reckons that there is enough guidance technology around to
reverse the trick and land that way.
Away with the u/c altogether, - saves a lot of wheels on a jumbo, though
you'd need more than a Landrover.
Graham C.
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