A technology I have not seen even mentioned in this
lengthy (but very good) thread is that of carbon nonotube
enhanced ultracapacitors, which have the promise of
the energy density of the latest lithium polymers,
but almost infinite discharge cycles and can be recharged
in seconds. What would make a whole heap of sense (to
me at least), would to develop an electric tow plane
based around this technology. Quiet, efficient, hardly
affected by density altitude, quick as refueling with
avgas when charges are needed, etc. This would get
our fleet of non-powered aircraft off the ground just
fine, without angering the encroaching land developments
and such. An efficient/viable electric towplane, that's
what we need. I'm sure other developments would stem
from it too of course.
Hats off to all people/groups considering alternatives
at this point, and down with the naysayers!
Paul Hanson


At 23:24 09 August 2007, Maxwell wrote:

'Larry Dighera' wrote in message
.. .

I would think that would be close to the bare minimum.
I flew a fixed wing
hang glider on 10 HP for a while back in the 70s. A
Manta Fledgling, and
it
was very underpowered. Maybe 100 fpm climb or so.


I would guess the rigid wing would have a higher L/D
than a powered
parachute's 4:1, so it might require less power.
Does that sound
correct in your experience?

Indeed, quite a bit less from my experience. I think
my Fledge was supposed
to be around 10:1.



"Do the usual, unusually well"--Len Niemi