On Thursday, August 16, 2012 10:36:31 AM UTC-7, (unknown) wrote:
On Sunday, August 5, 2012 8:39:29 PM UTC-4, Kevin Christner wrote:

/snip/
I'm also surprised AS's brochure states a 41kw (55 hp) Wankle when the EB-28 & 29 and the Quintus M & Arcus M are using a 50 kw (hp) powerplant.


Why are you surprised by that? Its the same fuel injected Austro Engin AE50R Wankel engine as has been powering the ASH-25Mi and now powers the 31Mi (and a non-injected version powers the 26E). I believe all the other gliders mentioned use a SOLO 2625-2. Its the same old motorglider debate of Wankel vs 2 Stroke. There are many tradeoffs in self launch motorgliders that make simple horsepower specs not that interesting by themselves, prop gearing and pitch, engine cooling, engine reliability, maintenance issues etc. All can get really important fast. Marketing climb and take-off distance numbers also don't give a good feel (especially if hot and high and facing engine (or battery) cooling issues). The two stroke engines also are not as great as the electrics or Wankel for running at partial power. Obviously the electric wins on noise, but loses on engine flight endurance. There are just lots and lots of things to consider.

Darryl