To produce a composite- based microlight

The company says that microlight trikes are popular and safe m6$ns
· of economical personal aviation. However the deSign of the flexwing
has reached something of a plateau, the next logical step would be a
foldable rigid wing designed especially for powered flight- high speed
trike unit. However, with a few exceptions, the technology of the trike
is sti11 rather basic. This project aims to. bring significantly advance
the technology in the trike by u~ing oomposites and shaft drive.
The company has explained that current sailplane fuselage
production technology uses vacuum bag techniques, which··are highly
labour and skill intensive. The company wants to explore the
potential development using resin infusion techniques (RFt), similar to
that devefoped ·for the Maclaren/Mercedes GT sports· car, which give
. high quality} repeatable parts with a . much cleaner manufacturing
process.
In addition, the Company aim to engineer a progressively crust,able
'"~ty eell around the pilots., by integrating bo~ sections intp the body
·l)~t
Sy using a composite structure, they ttr$o prdPo$$ to improve the
aerodynamics and Jappearanee. A bulkhead will be··explored to suit a
ra.nge of power plants, inCluding shaft driVe. $haft drive will reduce
drag, reduce noise and improve directional stabitity. It will also enable
curr.ent high technology liquid cooled engines to be considered, e.g.
the Smart car engine.
At the same time, 5-95%tile occupan~ could be accommodated, with
simple quick-adjustability of seating and pedal positions.