There is a lot of traffic on fuel economy these days. I fly an 182L occasionally and it is quite apparent (when hitting the pumps) that fuel was relatively cheap when that design was generated.
While the Vans designs are inherently efficient, it is fun to think about a Vans style, ground up design focused on economy of operation.
You care more about economy on long trips so it would have to comfortably roomy for two.
How about a tandem with -9 wings. If less concerned about short field performance, lower drag, lower lift wings would work. (don't know how the pitching moment works out) Could be lighter all around if max speed is held to 150kts or so. Maybe an O-240 optimized for economy. Cowl etc. optimized to reduce cooling drag for the smaller engine. Maybe some wind tunnel work to really cut out airframe drag.
What other design elements could contribute to big economy?
While the Vans designs are inherently efficient, it is fun to think about a Vans style, ground up design focused on economy of operation.
You care more about economy on long trips so it would have to comfortably roomy for two.
How about a tandem with -9 wings. If less concerned about short field performance, lower drag, lower lift wings would work. (don't know how the pitching moment works out) Could be lighter all around if max speed is held to 150kts or so. Maybe an O-240 optimized for economy. Cowl etc. optimized to reduce cooling drag for the smaller engine. Maybe some wind tunnel work to really cut out airframe drag.
What other design elements could contribute to big economy?