Dragonfly Flights

Taken in the first year of flying. Subaru EJ22, RHB5 turbo, warp-drive propeller.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• homebuilt
• experimental
• aircraft
• dragonfly
• tandem-wing
• canard

[tartullian]

Why not a quickie? I'm curious because I found a kit and am about ready to build a quickie but I'm thinking of trying a long eze from scratch or possibly a Q2?

[dfly200]

All depends on what you want to do with your airplane. Quickie is I'm sure a fun, cute toy. Q2 is pretty great tandem wing. I preferred the dragonfly for looks and inside room. As for myself, I like using an airplane to go places. The long Eze is one of the finest designs, but not as nice as a two seater. Side by side is more social.

[whizbang47]

How much is the useful load? How about the best rate of climb at gross? Service ceiling? Is that prop a constant speed? This is a mover and about 30 mph faster than the ones I remember.

[dfly200]

I have about 400 lbs of useful load with full fuel. I've had two engines in it. My EJ25 is to receive new forged pistons in the next few months. Prior to removal, the EJ25 would deliver a rate of climb (gross) of about 1000 fpm. I've had it to 17,500 feet with great cruise speed. Fixed pitch Catto propeller. With my new pistons, I hope it will deliver another 10 HP, which would cruise at 8000 feet at about 170 knots. The EJ25 is the largest engine I've seen in a dragonfly.

[adauto3000]

One more case of biplane with a lot of aerodynamic drag!!!

[3593893]

Great aircraft. What is your feeling on a Mazda 13B. I ask because this is the motor I am considering for my Q-2, ( I realize they are different, just a question ). I am also putting together a VERY low cost glass cockpit.

[betmen1]

Now, that's something... I wouldn't mind bigger range, as I would use it for cross countrys mostly, but the speed really makes up for it...

Anyway thanks a lot for the info again!

Happy flyin'!

[dfly200]

Assuming you're an aviator, and understand the jargon. Mine carries about 29 USgal with the header tank. At 6 gph and 180 mph, that's about 850 miles before it's goes really quiet in the cockpit. Realistically, it has a comfortable 700+ statute miles. I've done the trip to my parents none stop both directs, which was 720 miles each way. So, my burn worked out to a bit under 6 gph.

[betmen1]

Excellent!Thanks a lot on the info. I just started doing some research.Anyway, one other thing. What is the range of Dragonfly?

[dfly200]

I would never want to stand in the way of another airplane builders experimenting with another engine. However, at 300 lbs, the Thielert is about 100 lbs heavier than my subaru. The dragonfly would drop on its nose. I get about 140 HP max out of the subaru, and continuous operation at about 110 HP. I might get a bit more power out of a EJ25. If I recall, the dragonfly is rated at 4.4g and -2.5. It isn't aerobatic, and gross weight needs increasing, so the utility category is adequate.