Dr. S. Hoerner (author, "Fluid Dynamic Drag") wouldn't quite agree,
Alan. His formula states that velocity increases approximately with
the cube root of the increase in power. E.g., a 27% power increase
is good for a 3% speed increase.
He says "approximately," since slicker airframes come out a bit faster
with increased power, so for the Europa you could plug a little less
than the cube root into your calculator. Conversely, drag increases
with the square of the velocity, so drag reduction has a significant
on speed.
Cheaper than a new engine, too.
Regards,
Fred F., A063
Alan Stewart wrote:
>
> ...and I'm fairly convinced that with just 80 horse power from the 912,
> it's power, not aerodynamic efficiency that's the primary limiting factor.
> After
> much deliberation, I've decided that the only thing which will ever give me
> more
> than 10 knots extra, is a much more powerful engine.
> ....
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