Aux Tanks for a Varieze ?

[Me 163]

Like to buy a used Varieze but need 600 NM range plus reserve.

Is there a way to either replace the tanks with larger ones (unlikely since they are in the wing/strakes)

How about military style external tanks under the wings?

Or a aux tank in the back seat ?

 

I am sure it has been done before...

[Marc Zeitlin]

Like to buy a used Varieze but need 600 NM range plus reserve.

Is there a way to either replace the tanks with larger ones (unlikely since they are in the wing/strakes)

Since the VE carries about 25 gallons of fuel, and with an O-200 burns at most 6 gallons/hour (usually closer to 4.5-5) at 140 kts or better, you've already got more than 600 NM range. You don't need extra tanks.

 

Gary Hertzler gets over 45 NM/gal with his VE - his range is around 1KNM.

[Me 163]

Marc, thanks for the reply. Even though I am always the optimist - when it comes to aircraft performance I look at things as 'always glass half empty'.

 

With 25 Gal of total fuel I would guess about 23 max are useable?

Worst case scenario of fuel leaning/low alt/high temp I use 6 Gal/h as fuel burn which would be 3.8h endurance or 3 h with IFR reserve.

 

The crusing speed of 140 kts sounds good - but at what fuel burn?

Don't need a Varieze to go slow - what is the burn at max. cruise?

 

If I use 140 kts at 6 Gal/h, range is only 420 NM in still air, well shy of the required 600 NM.

 

I don't doubt your numbers - just wonder if someone could post realistic

'cruise speed at what fuel burn' numbers?

 

Thanks