There is a book written by the Aerodynamacist, Don Dykins, which can
be purchased from Europa Aviation. It'll explain the "capabilities" of
the Europa Airframe - mainly the wings' speed range. It's a wealth of
information - even in case you don't build a Europa.
---From that you'll clearly understand that the Europa is not designed
to cruise at 200 Mph. It will flawlessly fly at 200 Miles - supposed you
put the horsepower at front. But you're outside the Europa's design
efficiency curve then. (She will do it on a Rotax 914 at altitude).
A standard Europa will still fly away from any mainstream Cessnapiper.
In the US speed is more important than in Europe. Also fuel is cheaper
than in Europe. Therefore one often hears the question "And what if I
put a bigger engine on ?". Well, it'll fly faster - but outside its
efficiency range. Get a bigger aeroplane (Lancair) instead of a Europa
which is optimised for some 125 - 130 knots. And at that speed its
efficiency cannot be beaten. Once I flew to Northern Germany with a
"faster" Airplane partner. He arrived earlier - 15 Minutes. But at
almost double fuel cost.
Rethink your mission. If you cannot compromise on the 200 Mph - look
somewhere else. But consider the complete picture (rough field performance,
baggage area, fuel efficiency, QUALITY DESIGN, cost) and the whole
picture is what counts - not the 15 minutes you arrive earlier.
Sincerely,
<Thomas>
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