Ultravan as a Dymaxion?

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

Frontal area would increase as well.

What?

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by Patrick

If you cut it at the maximum cross-sectional area, the Cd would rise a little due to inceased wetted area. You would, in effect, have made an aircraft fuselage. The frontal area would remain the same.

Hmm... What he said. I was talking about making the Dymaxion wider. Y'know, because a limmoh is wider but not longer than the Dymaxion.

[aerohead]

Is it possible to learn what the original performance with the Corvair engine is?
If you had that in hand,you could begin noodling on paper,what various powertrain or body mods might yield.Specifications,as dimensions and total weight would help.
You might also check and see if certain mods might violate standards for RVs.I'm completely in the dark here!
I agree with BicycleBob about her body.Without the generous plan taper,she'll never be a Dymaxion.
If you can get to a picture of the original,pre-Airstream,Hawley-Bowlus Road Chief trailer,that will give you an idea of perhaps the most scientific low-drag tail ever offered in the market.
If I'd completed my silly trailer project and had some positive test results I might be in a position to have you consider pulling Bucky Fuller's tail behind the Ultravan as a trailer,with the gap-fillers.
That might get her Cd to half of Dymaxion.And extra storage.

[zjrog]

I love those! Don't see many on the road anymore though. I think a VW TDi with a 6 speed might be a nice ride.

[silverinsight2]

[QUOTE=aerohead;182689]Is it possible to learn what the original performance with the Corvair engine is?
I think its around 17 mpg
If you can get to a picture of the original,pre-Airstream,Hawley-Bowlus Road Chief trailer,that will give you an idea of perhaps the most scientific low-drag tail ever offered in the market.
I LOVE this!QUOTE]