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Check out this new concept by the US based Samson Motorworks (web-site link here)
They call it the Skybike. As an Areonautical Engineer by education and a motorcyclist by passion
(no not the HH made Passion), I could hardly resist posting this.
The specs read as below (taken from their web-site). They are presently using existing motorcycle engines. Plan to go in for a worked upon Wankel rotary later.
They call it the Skybike. As an Areonautical Engineer by education and a motorcyclist by passion
(no not the HH made Passion), I could hardly resist posting this. The specs read as below (taken from their web-site). They are presently using existing motorcycle engines. Plan to go in for a worked upon Wankel rotary later.
Samson Motorworks Skybike
Preliminary Specifications:
Estimated MGTOW = 1340 LB (Maximum Gross Take-off Weight)
SEATS = 2
MAXIMUM SPEED = 95 mph on wheels, 140 mph flying
RANGE = 500 miles ground, 220 miles air
MPG = Estimated 55 mpg ground, 25 mpg air
WING AREA = 88 S.F.
WING LOADING = 15 psf
ENGINE = 120-180 hp motorcycle engine (three choices)
ESTIMATED TBO = 2,000 hours (Time Between Major Overhauls)
FUEL = regular unleaded automobile gasoline
FUEL CAPACITY = 10.1 gallons including reserve
STALL SPEED = 55 mph
STANDARD FEATURES =
I found reading through the FAQ on the web-site pretty entertaining. Here is one gem:
Motorcycles give more freedom of control, are faster to react, and bring the outside world closer to you as you drive past. For many, their exhilaration provided by the mode of transportation, with the nimble handling and the ability to lean through turns, outweighs the fact that there is less (or nothing) to protect you in an accident. In a typical motorcycle, your protection is what you wear, (leather, helmet) and your ability to react much faster than other vehicles can. The main problem is the apparent invisibility of a motorcycle to surrounding drivers. In the SkyBike, nimble handling common to motorcycles significantly remains, as does the ability to lean into turns. The visibility of the SkyBike to other drivers is significantly increased over that of a motorcycle.
Personally, I like the concept though have my own mis-givings about its actual practicality> Technically, a wing-loading as low as 15 pounds to a square foot would make for a very twitchy airplane. Would need only the calmest of days to use it.
Sends an Indian motorcyclists' imagination soaring though. Fly over the muck that litters our national highways and land somewhere close to the hills. Wow! straight to the twisties
Open your hearts and minds to a motorcycle that actually flies (low)
Old Fox
I found reading through the FAQ on the web-site pretty entertaining. Here is one gem:
Motorcycles give more freedom of control, are faster to react, and bring the outside world closer to you as you drive past. For many, their exhilaration provided by the mode of transportation, with the nimble handling and the ability to lean through turns, outweighs the fact that there is less (or nothing) to protect you in an accident. In a typical motorcycle, your protection is what you wear, (leather, helmet) and your ability to react much faster than other vehicles can. The main problem is the apparent invisibility of a motorcycle to surrounding drivers. In the SkyBike, nimble handling common to motorcycles significantly remains, as does the ability to lean into turns. The visibility of the SkyBike to other drivers is significantly increased over that of a motorcycle.
Personally, I like the concept though have my own mis-givings about its actual practicality> Technically, a wing-loading as low as 15 pounds to a square foot would make for a very twitchy airplane. Would need only the calmest of days to use it.
Sends an Indian motorcyclists' imagination soaring though. Fly over the muck that litters our national highways and land somewhere close to the hills. Wow! straight to the twisties
Open your hearts and minds to a motorcycle that actually flies (low)
Old Fox
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