Belt-driven reduction units?

[AV8R_87]

Some of the conversations in the auto conversions thread made me think about this.
Why haven't we seen anything significant in the experimental engine market that uses a belt (multiple belts, obviously) for speed reduction? It's good enough to use on R-22/44 and S-300 helicopters, and it could avoid some if the headaches associated with gear-based reduction units. What's their fatal flaw?

 

[Mikey52]

Some of the conversations in the auto conversions thread made me think about this.
Why haven't we seen anything significant in the experimental engine market that uses a belt (multiple belts, obviously) for speed reduction? It's good enough to use on R-22/44 and S-300 helicopters, and it could avoid some if the headaches associated with gear-based reduction units. What's their fatal flaw?

Bearings and lack of lubrication.

 

[sansoneservices]

Some of the conversations in the auto conversions thread made me think about this.
Why haven't we seen anything significant in the experimental engine market that uses a belt (multiple belts, obviously) for speed reduction? It's good enough to use on R-22/44 and S-300 helicopters, and it could avoid some if the headaches associated with gear-based reduction units. What's their fatal flaw?

Actually I've seen a lot of belt driven reduction drives. Rotax 503, Subaru water cooled 4cyl, VW when not direct driver

 

[RussR]

Some "aerial vehicles" do!

It's a (very common) 185cc 2-stroke engine with a belt reduction.

I know, not useful for what you're asking.

 

[Sac Arrow]

Harleys use belt drives.

Those are usually the last component to fail. Not that they dont.

 

[Dan Thomas]

Been done long ago. This is the Helioplane of 1949, a converted Piper Vagabond with lots of wing mods and a Continental C-85 driving a big nine-foot prop via a set of V-belts. You can see the pulleys and belts here:



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helio_Courier