Motor Glider Plans or kits

I own a Pipistrel Virus which in my opinion is a phenomenal aircraft. This aircraft can be bought in three versions, the Virus, Virus SW and Sinus. There also is a Taurus which is more of a standard motorglider but I don't think comes as a kit.  I think all three can be bought in kit form both regular and fast build. Check out     http://www.mcp.com.au/pipistrel-usa/     Sorry, none are tandem seating.

 http://emile.lucas.9online.fr/index_files/page0002.htm

This one has piqued my interest, may be worth following up. Piuma Twin is another interesting motorglider type:

http://www.piumaproject.com/galleria/galleria2ing.html

Dave

The Xenos is a nice plane; it's a shame it's only flyable by shorter folks
I sat in the Sonex cockpit demonstrator at Sun 'n Fun a few years back, and at 6' 6" I only fit when I sat in the middle of the bench seat with my legs spread-eagled almost to the sides of the cockpit. I'd be building it today if it had been designed with more room inside.

Two other kits out there are the Europa motorglider:  Europa Motorglider  and the Whisper: Whisper Motorglider. Neither are tandom seating though, and they're both composite kits and fairly expensive. I did try the Europa on for size once at Arlington and, amazingly, I fit just fine. I do love that Europa, but it's a long, expensive build.

This guy has the JT-8T concept plane that looks a lot like what you might be looking for. Beautiful 3D model, but, alas, not real.

I've been following the tandem Ion with interest for some time. It has interchangeable wings like the Europa, and there's been some talk of doing motorglider wings in the future. However, they still have a way to go even to get the Sport Plane kit in production, so I wouldn't expect motorglider wings any time soon.

There are a number of tandem self-launch sailplanes available, but they're not touring motorgliders, and none are available in kit form as far as I know.

David, the Lucas L6A looks almost like a perfect plane for what I envision.  Thanks for the link!  I have emailed Lucas for information.  Are you aware of any builders in the USA or Canada?  Are English construction plans available?

I have about a dozen hours or so in Schweitzer 2-32 gliders and loved the visibility of tandem seating, and would like to have something similar in a motor glider.

I'm not aware of any, myself, though it might pay off to check and see if a Yahoo group exists: the EaglersNesters group has been a great resource for my project.

Let us know what you learn about the L6A plans. (A motorglide might make a nice, future project.)

Ried, I shot you a link. If it works and you wish to share be my guest.

Cost effective and simple.

Tom

Thomas, read and replied to your email.  I did print out a copy of the BJ Enduro plans for ideas, but this design is a little too primitive for my tastes.  I also found and downloaded a set of VP-2 plans, not for building purposes but to review and get ideas.

I did try EAA member services to try to track down Emil Lucas and the L-6A plans (he does have an EAA membership number), but he did not respond.  I may try the French homebuileder group to see if they have information on him.

In the meantime, between life interuptions, I am still dreaming and visualizing what I will try to design.  I have a few spreadsheets and design articles to review, study, and tinker with to guide my ideas.

Thanks for the link!

Reid,  If you are still interested in motorgliders you should be aware of these well thought-out articles by Richard VanGrunsven.

http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-11int.htm

Reid,  If you are still interested in motorgliders you should be aware of these well thought-out articles by Richard VanGrunsven.

http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-11int.htm

Hi, Ried.

     Although thought of as more motor than glider, the Challenger ll or LSS are definitely soarable. Tandem seat, pusher, easily built, very numerous and able to carry 2 large folks. Check out www.quadcitychallenger.com and order the video. Good folks to deal with and many dealers/demonstrators.

Micheal, thanks for the link!  RV-11 looks to have some features I am looking for, and I have sent Van's an email asking how to keep informed on this project.

Ried

Dick,  I do occasionally look at the pictures of the Challenger II.  Maybe I should get a demo ride for a sense of what the performance is.

Thanks for the tip.

Ried