How do i go about building a 2 seater aerobatic aeroplane?

Question

i saw one on youtube and it had a lawn mower engine in it and went over 200km/h. is there anything i can put a car engine in or even build a plane and put a car engine in it. remember i want to be able to do basic aerobatics in it aswell as being economic and SAFE.

Answer 1

There are several light and ultralight aircraft kits on the market for homebuilt aircraft.  I would presume them to be somewhat safer than something you designed or partially designed yourself.  I'm no aero engineer but I assume that the reason automobile engines are seldom used in small 2 seater aircraft is simply because of their weight.  My Optometrist flies 2 seat ultralight planes with enclosed cockpits and his are powered by air cooled 2 cyl Rotax engines that make between 50 and 70hp.  Nearly identical to the Rotax engines used in some snowmobiles.  One thing that I know for certain is that a carburetor made for a car will not function upside down, so whatever fuel system you use will need to be of an aircraft design.  You should be able to use your fav search engine and the key words "Homebuilt aircraft"  or "kit built aircraft" to find all sorts of useful info.  Good luck.

Answer 2

The Hummel Bird from Hummel Aviation is the best Ive seen that are actually aerobatic. Most are not even close. Cheap, excellent performance, and it has been adapted to use many different motors, usually about 35hp.

Answer 3

You don't state where you live but since you talk about Km/h, I'll assume you're European. (I am myself Norwegian).

Your problem is that if you want to fly aerobatic, you need a strong engine and, of course, injection to sustain inverted flight. In order to do that you cannot fly under the European ultralight rule (or US Sport Pilot); you'll need to have a full PPL-A certificate and your aircraft must also be aerobatic certified. If you fly under the Experimental rule, you can do it yourself but you will be facing a lot of administration and requirements. To be a two-seaters, you will need a stronger engine than the usual one found on ultralight homebuilt planes. The Rotax 582 and 912 are most used. The Jabiru 2200 and 3300 are good alternatives. Those engines range from 65 to 120 HP.

You can e.g. build a Rans S9 and fly it with a Rotax 582 with injectors. That is an acrobatic aircraft. But it is single seat.

I find it really hard to believe that any aircraft can fly over 200 km/h with a 'lawn mower' engine.

My homebuilt Kitfox 3 with a Jabiru 2200 (80 HP) flies 120 km/h at cruise speed and has 165 km/h as Vne (speed not to be exceeded).

Good luck with your project.

Answer 4

Your first step should be to contact the National Aeronautic Association. you can email them at  [e-mail]

They have a site at http://www.naa-usa.org/

Obtain a copy of the "World Directory of Leisure Aviation"

It lists pretty much from everything from powered parachutes up to the Dyn Aero CR100 aerobatic competition machine.

Also has Lists of suppliers for parts, addresses of importers, data on engines and more.

If you can't find a copy locally you can mail order it from :-

United States Ultralight Association. P.O,. Box 667 Frederick MO 21705.  Tel. [phone]

My  2004 copy cost just £5.95.

Ian M