After many failed attempts at getting the electric propulsion system to work reliably,
we have installed a more traditional propulsion system. Avigator is currently motivated by
an O.S. FS52 four-cycle glow engine. We chose a four-cycle engine over the more common
two-cycle for reduced vibration. We also chose a special engine mount which uses rubber
bushings to absorb some of the engine vibration. We use standard glow fuel, which is a
mixture of methanol, nitromethane, and castor oil. We are using a 12 oz fuel tank, which
should provide about 30 min of flight. We fabricated an exhaust extension out of copper
tubing, on order to get the exhaust past the payload compartment.
Information on the previous electric propulsion system.
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Revised 10/27/99