Performance figures for Comanche 180

[Kate Burrows]

I have been asked the following question to aid in a round the world trip by a Comanche 180. Can anyone help with the information please.

"Perth University is developing a rather sophisticated interactive program to help us quickly calculate weights, varying centres of gravity, and fuel range and endurance while enroute on our planned Round the World flight which will launch May 1st from Toronto. See www.flyrtw80.com.

As they perfect their program, they have asked us to provide for a couple of figures as below. We have given them the stall speeds of course, but can’t seem to find anything on the coefficient of drag zero and the aspect ratio of wings for Chris Elgar’s Comanche 180. "

Thanks
Kate
EU Tribe Chief

[Kristin Winter]

Kate,

Congrats an being the EU Tribe Chief.

The only person in ICS that might be able to answer your questions is Hans. However, why not contact Piper's PR department and ask if they would assist and maybe be a sponsor. They are the ones with all the data.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

WING CLASSIFICATION AND SPECIFIC LOADINGS
Wing Type ................................................................................................................ Laminar Flow
NACA Designation .......................................................................................................... 64A215
Wing Dihedral .............................................................................................5 Degrees (Zero Twist)
Wing Aspect Ratio ...................................................................................................................... 7.3
Wing Area .......................................................................................................................... 178 sq ft
Wing Loading .............................................................................................................. 14.3 lb/sq ft
Power Loading .............................................................................................................. 14.2 lb/bhp

Kate,
I dont have the total drag number but maybe these will help.
-Zach

[N3322G]

Kate,

Great project! and welcome to the Forum.

http://www.earthrounders.com/cgi/races.php shows Comanches as a popular round the world aircraft. I've been once and my Mom, Marion Jayne (1926-1996) twice in the Twin we still fly. I'm sure as long as these guys have been planning this that they are familiar with the Earthrounders website and all it has to offer. For pragmatic fuel mgt techniques, I'd be happy to share. My contact info is in Pathfinders.

Sequence of fuel burn can have huge CG impacts depending upon where the extra fuel is carried. Take-off distance can also be an issue if it is not planned for in advance.