Yes, Virginia, some pilots DO hypermile...

[LostCause]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

Not to rain on the parade, but the CAFE Foundation used to run some efficiency competition at the Oshkosh (now AirVenture) Airshow between 1981-1990. I'm pretty sure they got up over 30mpg. Then again, almost all of the 2007 PAV competitors made it over 20mpg.

You're right about the CAFE races, but I haven't been able to find a lot of information on them. From what I remember, Burt Rutan's specially design 5 seat, turbocharged Catbird was the overall leader for some time until a Varieze (another Rutan design) builder eventually took the all time lead.

I think "hypermiling" a plane really comes down to its design. A two place Van's RV can make 35-38mpg throttled back, while the single-place (and rather spartan) Quickie Q-1 can make 100mpg with its 2cyl generator engine. The Rutan Voyager probably averaged better than all during its around the world flight. Really, the best mileage comes without having an engine at all.

The Ariene Swiftlite is an advanced rigid ultralight glider that has traveled 483mi under Manfred Ruhmer's piloting. Sure advanced sailplanes can easily beat that distance, but they require an aerotow. A Swiftlite can be hucked off a hillside .

Awesome stuff: Ruhmer Swiftlite Competition Flight
(Sie sprechen Deutsch, Recht?)

- LostCause

[MetroMPG]

Amazing video. Never seen anything quite like that before.

[Lazarus]

Here's a hybrid if you don't have a cliff to jump off of. These have been around since the late 80's and work very well. This is best picture I could find of one but if you do a search I'm sure you can find a better picture.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by LostCause

You're right about the CAFE races, but I haven't been able to find a lot of information on them.

They do have up the original EAA Sportavaition articles here. But, yeah, that's about it for info.

[LostCause]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Here's a hybrid if you don't have a cliff to jump off of. These have been around since the late 80's and work very well. This is best picture I could find of one but if you do a search I'm sure you can find a better picture.

Ah, the motorglider. I actually have read quite a bit about them because they are pretty technically amazing imo, especially sailplanes with retractable mast-mounted engines. I suppose this could go in the alternative energy forum, but they have actually made Lithium-electric motorgliders.



One bladed propeller, woohoo!

And if you don't want to jump off a cliff, the swiftlite actually comes in a motorglider flavor .

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

They do have up the original EAA Sportavaition articles here. But, yeah, that's about it for info.

Great find. I love reading that kind of stuff.

- LostCause