Recent content by observer79

Thanks to all who have commented and assisted with your knowledge. I think I have sufficient insight now into the primary power aspect of Workhorse's "plan". BTW, to zaitcev (any relation to Vasily?): Workhorse is a "startup" in the sense that the company as we currently know it is relatively...

genna, many thanks; now I see that 90 octane unleaded and "aviation gas" don't fit together. This is yet another thing that calls into question Workhorse's understanding of their assertions of "certification in two years".

Thanks, genna. They released this through PR Newswire with additional details (hope I get to post the link; if it doesn't work search "PR Newswire Workhorse Group Inc. Unveils SureFly") and read the "Specifications include:..." list...

Biff, that's exactly my perspective but I don't have sufficient knowledge to back my PoV. The whole "Surefly" story is a giant tale, IMO, in order to create enough interest for a big equity raise. Long ago I was once involved in aerospace businesses (though I am clueless about general aviation)...

Not at all, but some bright people have been converting auto engines (like the Subaru opposed sixes and the Honda V-tech based Viking) to operate in this speed range for a couple of decades. Again: as a non-participant in GenAv I don't know of any that are on planes without an "Experimental"...

FWIW, I do know about the Eggenfellner E6, which at a rated 240hp is a bit over what's needed, and at 3 to 3.6 liters these seem a little beefy for the job. Nonetheless, change the gearbox to a speed increaser to run a high-speed PM generator (about 4x to get ~25krpm rotor speed) would get you...

Correct, Bill, so the application is different enough to perhaps add more challenges to a cert.

No worries. Even links to, say, the top three that have found their way to homebuilts, etc. may be helpful. Maybe Workhorse envisions funding the cert of a commonly-used, well-proved design from the homebuilt world. (On that topic: how long would a cert process take for an engine with good...

Thanks, Vance. I have to say I'm surprised in this output and speed range (expecting mostly direct drive once above ~150hp), but that's why I'm asking here -- to tap some real expertise. Could you please name me a few w/links (certified for flight use on aircraft other than experimental) that I...

Thanks, Captain. Certainly a converted helicopter APU (or similar small gas turbine with a reduction gear) would work, but the company was pretty explicit about avgas. (It would seem Jet Fuel would be preferred because it's cheaper and easier to get.) FWIW they have also said "automotive gas"...

First post.. my question involves a proposed aircraft, to be made by a truck company, and I am seeking some information to sort out realism vs fantasy. The aircraft in question is the Workhorse "Surefly", which looks like an overgrown "drone" quadcopter. (I can't post links, so you'll need to...