Engines and Motors

Flying Pig

I envision so many possibilities for the power plants. Maybe as simple and cheap as lawn mower engines. Maybe they will be stirling engines. Maybe electric motor will work.

As far as electric motors are concerned, apparently "brushless" is the way to go.

At this point, if a gas power plant is involved, I think it should be to produce electricity for the fan motors.

Aggregate thrust should be at least twice the maximum weight being lifted. I think 4X is a safer rule of thumb. I'll think about it...

It looks like four of these may do the job for the full size vehicle.

http://www.icare-icarus.com/Predator-50-6_p_664.html

The Preditor 50-6 is currently the first and single engine on the market, that brings  with only 2300 g (incl. prop holder for a 3 blades prop) a Power of over 19 KW.

The engine has 3 ball bearings, 20 poles and clearly more Power than a 150cc size gas engine.

Note: RASA CFK 3 Blade Propeller Folding  34.2"/22.5" MAG CAD BIG-- New for Predator 50-6 Plettenberg motor.

http://www.icare-icarus.com/RASA-CFK-3-Blade-Propeller-Folding-342225-MAG-CAD-BIG_p_852.html

Induction motors may be the way to go, since no need for, so called, permanent magnets...

http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/induction-versus-dc-brushless-motors

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motor#Three-phase_AC_induction_motors

Batteries:

"The 24kWh lithium-ion battery stores its energy to power the 80 kW AC motor in 48 lithium-ion modules. Each module contains four lithium-ion battery cells and provides enough power to the motor to generate 187 lb-ft of torque off the line, and 107 horsepower."

http://www.nissanusa.com/electric-cars/leaf/charging-range/battery/

"The Nissan Leaf battery and control module together weigh 300 kilograms (660 lb)"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Leaf