Spin Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Ok, ok I know, but it's a preoccupation of mine and I am constantly amazed that designers who take so much trouble over the general proportions and look of an aircraft, seem to run out of ideas when it comes to the very front end, the cowl and how it looks from anywhere forward of abeam. This is particularly evident on engines with cooling systems that rely on fluid, rather than direct transfer to air, such as the 912/4 and the Viking discussed elsewhere. Whilst I can accept that getting sufficient air to radiators etc trumps other considerations, you only need look at the RV-12 and TAF Sling, both 912 powered low wing LSA's to see how it can be done (or not). Shown below the Jabiru powered RV-12, a Viking RV-12, the original (912) and a TAF Sling - coming to Aus soon I understand [ATTACH]18111[/ATTACH] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cficare Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 darwinism will weed them out.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avi8tr Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 There's a Jabiru 3300 powered RV12 at Latrobe Valley. I understand it's fairly well progressed. Should go like a rocket between rebuilds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted February 9, 2012 Author Share Posted February 9, 2012 I see there is a UL Power engine going into one in the States as well, lots of debate about whether the aircraft is engineered for the extra weight and torque. Looking at the Sling and the Europa though, it seems it is possible to give a 912 powered aircraft a more conventional, pretty face. On the other hand that Wilksh diesel achieved what I had thought was impossible, making an RV-9A ugly.... [ATTACH]18112[/ATTACH] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cficare Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 seems there are some pretty ugly a/c faces out there. maybe designers have forgot the need to be functional and good looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazza 38 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 It is easier to sell a aeroplane model that "looks good".Than a ugly looking one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avi8tr Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 That looks like an RV9-Gypsy Major hybrid. It probably didn't need to be shaped like that, but it may be more aerodynamic that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DWB Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 It is easier to sell a aeroplane model that "looks good".Than a ugly looking one. That's what I'm hoping Dazza! Zephyr's smile........... They're my grandsons btw. [ATTACH=full]993[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]18113[/ATTACH] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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