Bugatti 100P Racer Project Update

[FlyKidChris]

I found this on EAA's site, it's an amazing project:

http://eaa.org/news/2013/2013-04-16_final-push-for-bugatti-100P-racer.asp

[deepsky]

Re: Bugatti 100P Racer Project Update

That's very cool! I can't wait to see it flying.

[W J Pearce]

Re: Bugatti 100P Racer Project Update

I have to bump this thread and shamelessly plug someone else's project, because I believe in it.

1) I am not affiliated with 100P project nor do I know anyone who is.

2) I have always had an interest in the Bugatti 100P. Here is an article I wrote about it last year.
http://oldmachinepress.wordpress.com...el-100p-racer/

3) The 100P project is in the last days of fundraising to generate the capital to finish the project. This is not some project that will never see the light of day. It is a project that is nearing completion and has been entirely self-funded thus far. Here is their Kickstarter funding page. Personally, I think it is a worthwhile cause, and I have pledged my support. I don’t know much about Kickstarter, but I think you only pay if the funding goal is met (I’ll make sure they get my money even if the funding goal is not met). Right now the project is $12,000 short of their goal and they have 10 more days. If I were a billionaire, I would have already funded a 100P project long ago. I am not a billionaire, but I can still help someone else achieve my goal of seeing this aircraft fly. I hope that you all will consider making a pledge to ensure the 100P is completed and makes history.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/525000827/reve-bleu-bugattis-blue-dream-will-finally-fly

Thank you,

[J.A.W.]

Re: Bugatti 100P Racer Project Update

Since prop planes run on torque..
I do wonder how well a
a ~1.3Ltr 200hp 4 cylinder Suzuki mill
will substitute for a 4.7 litre 550hp Bugatti unit..[both x2]

She does look beautifully Art-Deco though..

[W J Pearce]

Re: Bugatti 100P Racer Project Update

Before they changed their website, the 100P project listed more info regarding the engines. I seem to remember that they had different engine options in mind; as in initially using the 1.5L engines, but going for more power later on.

The 550 hp figure from the original 100P might have been optimistic, but 450 hp was certainly reasonable. The replica's engines are reportedly 260 hp. The original was to go 500 mph, while the replica is to go around in circles reliably. I think 520 hp will be enough for that. I do share your concerns. However, with all the research and attention to detail involved with the other parts of the aircraft, I think they have investigated the power side of the equation and are satisfied with the forecasted results.

Here is an engine announcement from last year.

March 18, 2012
Engines announced for the Scotty Wilson replica

From the RPE Press Office:
"Radical Performance Engines is pleased to confirm its association with the Bugatti 100P project, a recreation of the most advanced aircraft of the 1930s, by supplying two RPE 1500cc powerplants and technical support to the project.

The Bugatti 100P Project's aim is to bring to the skies a reproduction of the original Bugatti 100P airplane, an elegant design that sadly never saw the light of day due to the outbreak of WW2. A dedicated team of volunteers has painstakingly constructed the airframe, working towards a completion date at the end of the year. The Bugatti 100P featured a number of ground-breaking techniques, including dramatic, forward-swept wings, counter-rotating propellers and automatic wing-flaps.

RPE will supply two 1500cc, 260bhp four-cylinder engines to the project, highly-compact engines that are situated in the fuselage behind the pilot and connected to the nose mounted gearbox with driveshaft’s that run below the pilots elbows. The same engine design is well-proven, used in Radical Sportscars' best-selling SR3 RS racecar, in production for over a decade. Just like the original, the new Bugatti 100P will be using a race-proven engine, albeit this time controlled by an advanced engine management system with full data logging.

"RPE is extremely proud to be assisting the Bugatti 100P Project on this exciting venture, bringing one of the most distinctive aero shapes of the 30's to the skies at last," said RPE General Manager, James Williams. "With RPE power, the Bugatti 100P can exhibit the same outstanding performance and manoeuvrability that was envisaged for the aircraft over 70 years ago."

Radical Performance Engines are the world’s leading small-capacity racing engine and drive system specialists. With over thirty years’ experience in engine tuning, Radical Performance Engines has established an enviable reputation in the design and production of an increasing range of four and eight-cylinder race engines, all of which are built and developed in-house. Such is RPE’s confidence in the reliability of the engine work it carries out, much is covered by a warranty for 40 racing hours; no other manufacturer at this level of motorsport offers such cover."

[J.A.W.]

Re: Bugatti 100P Racer Project Update

Thanks for the reply, WJ.

No doubt the gearbox, so painstakingly reconstructed
will take the 10,000+rpm Suzuki into account..

However, I recall other repro builds - replacing WW1 era mills
- with equivalent H.P. rated modern engines,
only to find that they would not drive the old fixed pitch prop
- due to the original mill having solid low rev torque
- a function of raw displacement & no frills functionality.

The H.P.=torque x revs equation being unforgivingly missed in the circumstances..