Charles K. Scott wrote:
On 14 Nov 2005 13:21:23 -0800, "MrV" wrote:

just wondering if it would work so maybe just maybe i would have less
engineering work even considering the weight.

1. It has been proven several times that it does not work. Even with
relatively low power engines, it doesn't work. It was tried using a
Honda Goldwing engine. Tranny failed after a while for all the
reasons cited previously. A more powerful engine would fail the
tranny, probably more quickly.

You do have a choice though, there are several businesses
manufacturing PSRU's built specifically for high power V-8's. The
afore mentioned Geschwender folks, and also Northwest Aero, they make
a psru for a high output Chevy, or used to.

So you do have the choice of bolting on a PSRU that you know will
work, thus negating at least that piece of engineering. You will
still have to think about the driveshaft, the coupling at both it's
ends, and all the issues that plague rear propped airplanes.

If I were determined to use a driveshaft there might be a good case
for putting the redrive at the prop end and having the driveshaft turn
at engine speed. This is done in some large turboprop installations,
there is a relativly long shaft.

Pusher props are really not that great an idea. Few successful designs
used them.

When I was in Europe, I saw a Fantrainer fly. What ever happened to
that airplane? I think it started with a recip and went to production,
such as it was, with an Allison turboprop.