|
|
Skywalker Vertical News
June 2008
As Tim (the Tool Time) Taylor would put it . . .
"we need MORE POWER!! "
Those of you who have followed the development of the Skywalker these past few years will immediately recognize that the latest images presented of the new design reveal something rather obvious . . . there are now provisions for two people! Most of the inquiries from interested parties have all indicated that the Skywalker was too cool an aircraft not to be able to share it with a companion. We here at Mirror Image Aerospace had always wanted to have a two-place vehicle, but were limited by the available turbine engine's horsepower. After much frustration at trying to find a reliable, affordable turbine engine with enough power, we scrapped that idea and switched to a more conventional automotive engine solution.
We researched several air-cooled as well as water-cooled engines to find one that delivered a combination of high power-to-weight ratio, great reliability, easy to service, and economical to purchase and maintain. We settled on a turbocharged Subaru 16-valve, 2.5 liter, water cooled motor. These EJ25 Subaru motors are readily available and are currently being built by a growing number of high performance companies that provide their customers with motors delivering upwards of 650HP for both street and off-road use! By designing a custom-configured motor for the Skywalker that will provide 400-500 HP through a generous power band, we feel this powerful motor will be the perfect power plant solution for the ALL-NEW two place Skywalker VTOL. To compensate for the increased horsepower we have enlarged the duct housing to accommodate that added power. The diameter of the cylindrical duct intake has increased to 62 inches and the propeller blade length has increased to match that opening.
Subaru EJ25 engine cut-away view photo
. . . and here's what it would look like in the Skywalker . . .
Visit the Latest News link as new pictures and information are released.
Latest Version? New Design? Power and Thrust?
Several novel design ideas permeate the aircraft for significant aerodynamic improvements and further raise the engineering platform to an advanced level.
The following are many of the features planned for actual full size implementation into the production Skywalker VTOL aircraft:
• Sleek aerodynamic composite shape
Lightweight honeycomb core parts with graphite skins
• Blended cockpit, central air duct and fuselage assemblies
Integrated wings and body shape
• Enhanced Vertical Takeoff and Landing controls
Multiple air vane flaps for forward and reverse direction
Center placed air vane flap for side to side motion
Computerized fly-by-wire actuator controls
Individual joystick controls
Miniaturized gyro orientation sensors for Yaw, Pitch, and Roll feedback
• Two counter-rotating power fans
Large 82 inch diameter carbon fiber, three bladed propellers
Ground adjustable variable pitch blade assemblies
• Removable top wings
Allows for different performance wing applications
Pin secured wing spar attachment points
Integrated composite wing and center spar
• Canard and upper wing aileron control flaps
• Double side-access removable gull wing doors
Air-cylinder dampened opening and closing functions
• Easy to assemble using larger pieces provided with the kit
The entire aircraft is fastener-assembled
No labor intensive part fabrication or extra lay-up work
After the dust settles, your head is out of the clouds, and both feet planted on the ground, drop us an email and we will do our best to place you in the pilot’s seat.
The aircraft will soon be fitted with the new turbocharged power drive system. This is certain to provide exciting performance and generate mountains of power and critical increased thrust.
Skywalker VTOL • • • • • Soon to be released!
