4/04/08: Today at Pontefract Park Sam and I ran the eggmotor at full throttle to measure thrust. We fitted an rpm counter and it peaked at 7200 rpm. this equates to 1440 prop rpm(gearbox is 5/1 ratio). Using the helix data sheet this shows that power output for the standard engine is around 2.5hp and thrust is approx. 21.5kp(kg?). The tuned engine that'll be arriving soon is supposed to have over 6hp, this equates to around 40kp(kg?).

Please help with the development of the eggmotor.

Our 'lookupparagliding' site is no more but you can keep up to date with Sam and Robert's antics by going to our blog site.

5/06/08: I wasn't going to fit the new engine until the steel cage was complete but there are delays at the manufacturer. So, I thought I would fit it to the old unit. Visibly there isn't much between them apart from a larger head and metal pull start unit. I'm getting really eager for the new cage to be completed now.

click here for Helix prop test data.

4/07/08: This time we've got the upgraded engine and the new cage to test. Unfortunately the engine gave us no more than 8330rpm which equates to about 4hp and only 28kg thrust according to the prop data sheet?!?!?!? The engine is suppose to provide around 6hp......... I've contacted the supplier for advice. Also, we didn't use super-unleaded and the petrol had sat in the can for several weeks prior to mixing so the octane rating could be a factor. Maybe the new engine is still 'tight' and might need more 'running in'. If anybody could offer some advice it would be very much appreciated. Ideally I don't want to go down the nitrous oxide route and I've already tried mixing nitro(RC fuel) with the petrol but it separates. Could the 'tuned pipe' be the problem? Does anyone know of a decent exhaust that will liberate the extra horses???