I agree that keeping weight down must be considered with every layer of glass and drop of glue and accessory and HP that you put on your plane. However, I have observed over the years, that the heavier planes seem to do most of the flying. Of all the KRs that are flying today, I wonder what the average weight is. I will bet you that it is no where near the design weight, not even close. The KR that I have just completed, is 50 # heavier than my first KR. It has the 2180 vs the 1815, and Diehl wings. Other than that, it is very close to the same, and this plane is a much better flyer than the first one. It got me thinking that a little weight may not be such a bad thing if it is put in the right place.
I could put a Jab 2200 on this plane for slightly less weight and the same HP. That would throw my CG a bit aft. I could put a 3300 on this plane for slightly more weight and more HP, which would keep my CG forward. Other than the money, that would be a "no brainer" for me. If I had a spare $20 000, it would be on there as quickly as I could do it. However, that would be more than the cost of the entire plane as it sits today. See N64KR at http://KRBuilder.org - Then click on the pics See you at the 2007 - KR Gathering There is a time for building and a time for FLYING and the time for Flying has begun. Daniel R. Heath - Lexington, SC -------Original Message------- Doesn't horespower share a close relationship to weight? It seems like some people are willing to spend so much money on horsepower to increase speed that engines are pushed to limits that could compromise safety.
