According to this AVweb story, a Brazilian-made light sport aircraft could set records for fuel efficiency if it lives up to claims.
Powered by a 121-pound HKS-700E 60-hp 4-stroke engine that promoter GeBe LLC says sips about 1.7-3.5 gallons per hour, GeBe claims the roughly 500 pound aircraft could be "the greenest aircraft on the planet," or, less subtly, "the most efficient commercially available aircraft on earth." The company also calls the Quasar Lite a "2-seat trainer" and likens its handling qualities to "a Pitts in the air." In terms that should prove less subjective, the aircraft's fuselage is composite, its 30-foot-span wings are aluminum and the tail is aluminum structure with Dacron covering.
With 20-gallon tanks, the aircraft's range is listed at 1,060 miles (10 hours at economy cruise) and its cruising speed at 75 percent power is listed at 130 mph with stall at 45 with flaps down. Maximum rate of climb at gross weight is listed at 550 ft/min and Quasar told us when they fly the aircraft it generally climbs 700 ft/min with full fuel and one pilot aboard. Quasar also says they routinely fly the aircraft at 120 mph true burning two gallons per hour.
Drool...
With prices at the avgas pump in the $5.25/gallon range here in the Bay Area, such a plane could sell quite well for casual fliers.
Posted by jzawodn at April 29, 2008 03:05 PM
If you can afford the plane(s) - don't whine about the cost of fuel. I'll wait for Ultra capacitors and an all electric plane that I can recharge with photo-voltaics.
The way things are going, in several years there probably wont be many people doing "casual flying". Oil broke through $100 in early January. 20% in 4 months?!? Sell that plane while you still can.
Not that it makes you feel any better, but gas is $6/gal here at KISP.
Just some quick math, these things get between 52 and 72 MPG!
Not that it makes you feel any better, but gas is $6/gal here at KISP. .. I think so
