peter@historiclotusr

Sadly it was just this feature which proved to be the engine's downfall. The torsional vibrations in the camshaft were too much for the gear wheels. If I have understood him correctly, according to Mike Costin (the "Cos" of Cosworth - major producers of Grand Prix motor racing engines), it would have needed a slipping clutch between camshaft and propeller to avoid the peak stresses which were the problem. The project failed due to the failure of the engine, and the failure of the airframe to meet the UK spinning requirements. It didn't help that Chapman died on the same day that it flew for the first time on 16th December 1982.

Thank you very much Ron. I am in touch with Ivan, but wanted to get the other side of the story as well. I have contacted EZ Squadron for reprints of the Canard Pusher pages.

To Ron Pearson, After writing to this group I had not heard that anyone had replied, and was surprised to see (when I chanced on the site) a long message from you dated nearly a year ago! I have spent a long time in a totally fruitless search for the name of the court where the case was heard against Burt Rutan's company for breach of contract. I know that it was somewhere in California, but if I could get the date and place I might be able to get court records to show what evidence was brought by each side. This would give a fascinating insight into the story, and I think I could then take it further. Is there any way you could help? I tried to send you a private e-mail message but was beaten by the system. With best wishes, Yours sincerely, Peter Ross UK peter(at)histriclotusregister.co.uk