I stumbled onto this fascinating website on the Carter Copter: http://www.cartercopters.com/press_release_index.html
These press releases cover the development of the aircraft in agonizing detail. The number of problems to solve and technical setbacks are staggering but most are eventually overcome and most of the goals are met. Of particular interest is the battle with engine problems, first with a turbocharged 90 degree V6, then a LS1 then a LS7 (not LS6 as stated). Various modifications and teardowns were done and there were plenty of failures both hard and soft over the several years of hard, high rpm use- rods, oil pressure, bearings, rings, valves, ECU programming, fires etc.
Sounds like they could have used someone more experienced with engines and turbos as they had lots of problems that could have been more easily avoided like using too hot a spark plug heat range and piston design issues.
Still, an interesting glimpse on what it takes to develop and validate new technology.
For you guys who just bolt on a Lycoming, you may appreciate more on what it takes to do work like this, especially for a small company or individual.
These press releases cover the development of the aircraft in agonizing detail. The number of problems to solve and technical setbacks are staggering but most are eventually overcome and most of the goals are met. Of particular interest is the battle with engine problems, first with a turbocharged 90 degree V6, then a LS1 then a LS7 (not LS6 as stated). Various modifications and teardowns were done and there were plenty of failures both hard and soft over the several years of hard, high rpm use- rods, oil pressure, bearings, rings, valves, ECU programming, fires etc.
Sounds like they could have used someone more experienced with engines and turbos as they had lots of problems that could have been more easily avoided like using too hot a spark plug heat range and piston design issues.
Still, an interesting glimpse on what it takes to develop and validate new technology.
For you guys who just bolt on a Lycoming, you may appreciate more on what it takes to do work like this, especially for a small company or individual.