I am attempting to determine the maximum usable HP that the Europa while rem
aining below the factory published VNE and have a few questions for the fact
ory (if anyone with the history is listening) and existing Europa fliers:
1- The factory published VNE is: "VNE (IAS) 165kn 191mph 307kmh". Is this
VNE based on a structural limit, or a flutter limit?
2- If the factory's VNE is determined by a flutter limit, I would have to as
sume that the 191mph is at sea-level density altitude - does anyone know if t
his assumption is valid? This would mean that at 13k ft, it would be reduced
to ~160mph IAS and even less up heigher (I have attached a very informative
article regarding VNE and TAS). Does anyone know if the factory ever execut
ed proper flutter testing?
3- What is the max level speed obtained by Europa fliers (likely with a 914)
? I am asking because I hear of 914 fliers cruising at 140ish Knots IAS at 7
5% (86hp?) down low, but am wondering where on the Europa's drag curve this i
s. Is it near the flattening section of the exponential speed/hp curve (or c
onversely the escalating drag curve), or is there still some room before tha
t "drag-wall" is reached? What I am attempting to determine is what the spe
ed would be for a Europa mono (with fairings etc.) with a constant speed pro
p, and continuous 110-120 cruise hp? I do realize that these numbers would b
e very prop dependent etc.
Many thanks for any and all insight/experience,
Cheers and blue skies,
Pete
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