EQUATOR AIRCRAFT NORWAY SA
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Story
Story
- The Legacy of G. Poeschel
Guenter Poeschel and his team successfully built and test flew three Equator prototypes in the years between 1969 and 1981. The Equator idea at the time presented a very unusual modular aircraft system. As both amphibian or landplane.
They were designed to be perfect for unusual mission abilities to make profit day and night, during all seasons. The modular-system ranging from 2-4-6-8-10 seater up to 12 passengers, in the cabin- or wide-body class. From the low-price landplane with fixed gear and piston engine single up to the pressurized turboprop twin amphibian with center line thrust up to the 20 seater commuter and jet amphibian.
The unique design ideas, is the combination of known and proven conceptions put together in new ways to achieve better characteristics. Sadly the P-300 A2 never reached production due to the downfall in the aviation markets in 1980 to 1990. But never the less the will-power and belief that goes into producing some of (at the time) largest composite aircraft in the world with a wide array of new technologies on board is an amazing feat to say the least. The aircraft produced is a testament to the beautiful mind behind them, and is a strong legacy that EAN will aim to follow continuing the work done and ideas resolved.
A more extencive history on the Equator legacy is being worked on at the moment, but the following three aircraft testbeds were made in the period EAC was active.
The test area used in the vintage footage of the Equator testbeds P-300 A1, P-300 and the 420 is designated Ulm, Laupheim (military base) and Erbach Airfield. The P-300 testbed prototype can today be viewed at Erbach Airfield, and Equator Aircraft is working on restoring this aircraft.
Make prior contact with Guenter Poeschel, and he will gladly give you a tour of the aircraft with the addition of the whole story behind the aircraft.The original EAC homepage can still be viewed here: www.equatorair.de
Tomas Brodreskift met Guenter in Southern Germany where he worked at the time in 2008. Visiting often and learning about the amazing aircraft that were developed was inspiring, and he decided to take the P2 (the smallest concept) back to Norway and develop it further with partner Oeyvind Berven. About two years and almost 8000 work hours was used to finish the new P2 concept that is being prototyped at the moment.
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Aircraft Development Project
Aircraft Development Project
- P2 Excursion P.O.C. Experimental Prototype
The P2 Excursion aircraft is the first aircraft design made by the cooperative EAN (Equator Aircraft Norway SA).General AerodynamicsThe P2 Excursion is a true high performance hybrid amphibian aircraft, with sleek laminar flow aerodynamics. This is emphasized firstly through the shape of the fuselage, which is one continuous "droplet" shape, to allow the air to flow as smooth as possible past the aircraft, without getting upset turbulence and extra drag. Secondly the "float wing" system which removes the need for bulky sponsons and other supporting geometries, and thirdly through the very small electric engine on the tail. Added to the mix is a retractable gear system of course to ensure the best characteristics possible on land and water. With these aerodynamic properties the aircraft may perform like any other land based aircraft. As such the compromise is reduced compared to other amphibious aircraft, that typically get worse properties due to their water capability.Lifting SurfacesThe wing uses a NACA laminar flow profile, with a 1.4 deg blended twist. The span is about 10m dependant on the type of winglets chosen, they are modular and can be exchanged simply.With the flaps extended the aircraft should reach a stall speed of 45KT, and on cruise you should be able to fly comfortably at 130KT.The T-Tail horizontal stabilizer is large (3.8m) on the prototype to be able to adjust it down in size during testing. The size is critical to be able to counter the pitch down moment produced by the engine placement.MaterialsThe aircraft is a pure composite design, metals and other corrosive materials have been left out where possible. Carbon Fiber reinforced epoxy is used extensively, with kevlar / carbon hybrid textiles used around the cabin area.UsabilityThe P2 was designed from the ground up to be a highly practical aircraft. It is made for 2 people initially (with a future option for 4 seats) with focus on comfort Therefore the cabin is much larger than what is common in light aviation sporting a 1.50m wide cockpit.Much of the research done initially was focused on the situation when the aircraft is a boat with wings. How to get in and out practically, and how to manouvre the vehicle simply. The result is an open cabin with waterproof surfaces. The pilot can exit and enter the plane over the nose, and over the railings. This flexibility is unique, and coupled with simple and reduced avionics, we end up with a very open solution.The baggage area is huge as the whole aircraft can be used, you´ll be able to store bulky luggage such as bikes, skis etc.The P2 has no rudder pedals. Jaw control is done through twisting the stick around the vertical axes, and is being developed as a FBW (Fly by Wire) feature on the plane.Engine SystemThe hybrid propulsion system being developed by Equator is called EHPS (Equator Hybrid Propulsion System). The engine specific project is being co-funded by Transnova and the company doing the development work with us on this is ENGIRO. We will design a custom engine and generator specified specifically for the P2. Power out in the prop is 100kW (approx. 130HP) and the generator will produce 57-60kW of power charging the batteries. The combustion engine will be a wankel engine that runs on bio-diesel fuels and jet-fuel. The fuel tank can hold 100l and this should give you a flying time of 5-6 hrs max.
The aircraft being developed is a proof-of-concept vehicle, to prove that all the new systems being integrated work and can be put into production. The prototype is being built in a low cost manner, without expensive molds (moldless). The work started in 2011, and the prototype should be completed by 2014.
This page will be updated with the properties as the aircraft closes on completion and test flights are started. We wish to tell you that the numbers mentioned here are estimates only and will be revised as we go along.
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Uploads
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P2 Aircraft V2 Concept
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People
People
- The Equator Team
Equator Aircraft Norway SA is a cooperative organisation registered in the Norwegian Company Registry with company number: 996 347 990. The company was established in 2011 to develop the P2 P.O.C prototype.The members involved are investing both time and money to realize the goal of first flight of the P2 in 2014. Most of the members have other day jobs, and work on Equator projects in their free-time. At this stage we are currently 11 cooperative members + 3 external expert members.The Board of Direction 2012
Manager / FounderIndustrial Designer
Lars OeynoBoard DirectorSivil Engineer
Torkell SaetervadetSecretary of the boardPropulsion and Fuel SpecialistEquator Cooperative Members in addition to the board.
Knut BroedreskiftComposite Construction SpecialistSivil EngineerJon Roger Fossen
Production SpecialistTechnician
Per StroemmenPrototyping SpecialistTest Pilot
Martin KrafftPrototyping SpecialistIndustrial Designer
Frode EldevikPrototyping SpecialistIndustrial Designer
Jon VedumElectronics SpecialistEngineer
Oeyvind BervenBoard Member / FounderIndustrial DesignerIn addition to the investing members of the team. Equator are also involving several individuals with unique knowledge within aircraft design and development. Some of who are:
Ferran P. MercadalAerodynamicistAerospace Engineer
Aleksey MatyushevAerodynamicistAerospace Engineer
Vincent MeertensHydrodynamicistNaval Architect
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For Students
For Students
- We are proud to be working with many Schools and Universities
Equator Aircraft is an agent for unique aircraft design, we are very interested in getting contact with young, highly spirited engineering- and design students.In 2008 the two Industrial Design students and pilots Tomas Broedreskift and Oeyvind Berven started work on the new EQP2 Excursion, Equators first attempt on the light aircraft market. In this start – up phase the Equator team are working on making project assignments, design briefs, and specified diplomas that can be worked on by students. Therefore we encourage every student with relevant studies and an aerospace dream to join our efforts and in time become part of the new Equator Team that will ultimately bring amphibian flying to a new level. Objectively spoken, your fantasy truly is the only limit! We have several areas that need to be researched and tested before we build our EQP2 Prototype Testbed. We will of course provide the guidance and motivation you need to do an excellent project!If you are interested in the aerospace industry, this is a unique possibility, where you might end up seeing many of your ideas come alive on our EQP2 Excursion Design Package, and perhaps on the whole future P-Series. You have the opportunity of coming in contact with a pioneer within the development of composite aircraft Guenter Poeschel, and get ideas realized through Equator Aircraft and our cooperatives.Contact our Student coordinator Tomas Broedreskift for further information on how we might proceed to cooperate on specified product assignments. And if you´ve never flown in a small plane in your life, we might even be able to fix that to!Some of the student projects that have been completed with great results so far can be seen here.USA Embry Riddle 2009Aerospace engineering student Aleksey Matyushev did design of all lifting surfaces on the P2 Aircraft.NORWAY UiA (University of Agder) 2009The aircraft technician students made a P2 simulator project.NORWAY UiA 2010Engineering student Thomas Larsen did a Bachelor thesis on wing structure.NORWAY UiA 2011Engineering students worked on canopy structure and safety.NORWAY HiBu (College of Kongsberg) 2010Mecahnical Engineering students worked on the Undercarriage.GERMANY TU Berlin 2011Manuel Radziwill made a diploma on research within cockpit ergonomics.GERMANY TU Berlin 2011Engineering students worked on cockpit interaction conceptsNORWAY HiBu 2012Engineering students made a FBW system for the aircraft.GERMANY TU Berlin 2012Aerospace engineering student Matthew Davidson had one week in Oslo helping out as a small internship.SPAIN TU Madrid 2012Engineering student working on propeller design.
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Wall
- Cutting gears for the Nose wheel mechanics. Experimenting with phenolic board. #aircraftdesign http://bit.ly/11DRz1B
- 400 likes and counting! Really appreciate all you extraordinary people following our project!
- Locking system integrated in the nose gear drive box. #aircraftdesign http://bit.ly/10Aswuw
- The fruits of last weeks labour finally there. The "drive box" for the nose wheel completed in a 3d printed mold. Included in the mold was several functional parts which made it hard to make. But the result looks and feels good. In the images you can see the preperation of carbon sleeves and uni / bi directional sheets which were put in the mold shown in the bottom left image. 3d printed molds is a good way to make simple and cheap molds for strong "hand layup" parts that need high degrees of accuracy. Now we move on to the fork and leg, before electric actuation can be tested.
- Nose Gear plans completed, materials ordered and some parts already under construction. Hopefully we will be able to test drive the assembly in one month, and of course carry out the drop test. #aircraftdesign http://bit.ly/17DnEoM
- We've had a fantastic few days in southern Germany at the #AERO13. Inspiring and valuable as always. Here is an image of three (of many) very interesting projects we love. 2 new electric solutions, EuroSport twin elecrtic (top) and the beautiful solar foil on the wings of the SolarFlight aircraft (bottom). In the middle the superlight and superfast ultralight BlackShape Prime, showing something a long way aways from trikes! Just a slice to be shared. For more news on aero stuff go to AvWeb.com or LOOP.tv.
- Great evening with wonderful people from e-go aircraft UK!
- Maby not much to look at, but this is actually the mold for one of the main nose gear components. Some of you might notice the subtle ripples on the outside and identify it is a two part 3D print, where the inside is being prepped with filler for paint and laquer. Using wax and carbon fiber this part will come out as a sweet strong piece. A very quick way to produce molds!
- Gearing up for next weeks AERO festival in Friedrichshafen. We will not have an official exhibition, but many of the team members and the board are going down, to browse, shop and discuss the future of aviation. If you want to get in touch with anyone from the crew during the show, please do not hesitate to contact us! We'll be there from Wednesday evening to Friday afternoon. C ya!
- Just cut a hole for the nose gear! #aircraftdesign http://bit.ly/17eZi2B
- We enjoyed the very nice word used by LOOP today to describe our aircraft. Thanks!
- Yesterday we started merging the forward surfaces with the nose wheel bay and forward structure. Also the nose wheel design is coming together finally, and will be developed and constructed in parallell with the surrounding structure.
- Working on the wheel bay for the nose wheel assembly. #aircraftdesign http://bit.ly/10Pqkf9
- We have to take the opportunity to congratulate our friends Ivo & Co at Pipistrel on the first flight of Panthera. The aircraft is a beauty to behold, and a testament to the team effort and skill built up over 25 years! Big shout out to you guys! http://youtu.be/BDYv9b4J7ps
- Jon is testing the interior for the first time in the fuselage.. Looking and feeling very "on the spot"! #aircraftdesign http://bit.ly/YRfodS
- First interior mating tests! #aircraftdesign http://bit.ly/16Uah4e. The interior section fits like a glove, and it seemes we have also made all hatches correct in size to fix all control organs. We are now in the final stages of deciding on the battery,which in turn will inflict on the interior which will receive a final modification before it is finally fixed in the plane.
- Pretty good evening when big things happen! The canopy was cut to shape and mated with the frame, and it looks amazing! Trying to explain would be difficult, and pictures do not really do the shear size and shape of the whole design justice. You need to see this!
- First mating tests between the plexiglass and frame. It's looking promising although some ajustment is needed on the roof. #aircraftdesign http://instagr.am/p/W9d5jEt7uk/
- Jon and Knut looking at the completed canopy frame, put in its "open" position in the rails. Now a 3mm recess will be milled into the outside to accomodate the ready made plexiglass. #aircraftdesign http://instagr.am/p/W8KqJjN7m_/
- Things are happening in the Son Workshop aswell, Per G. Strømmen has assembled the sections of the horizontal stab. Note the carbon hinging tubes running through the full length of the stab and elevator sections. The elevator will also have an integrated Ray Allen electric actuated trim.
- Knut and Jon working on the canopy frame after release. The frame is almost complete and ready for the plexiglass.
- This weekend the canopy frame was fixed to the body and filled with foam, and the locking pins inserted. Hopefully there will be plexiglass in the frame during the week! #aircraftdesign http://instagr.am/p/WtgyvPN7gD/
- Fired up the MGL iEFIS this evening! Looks good. #aircraftdesign http://instagr.am/p/WiDBbct7gn/
- One step closer to the flying car;)
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Tweets
- Cutting gears for the Nose wheel mechanics. Experimenting with phenolic board. #aircraftdesign http://t.co/m4kX8kVK3a http://t.co/sSdFVJGIzx
- 400 likes and counting! Really appreciate all you extraordinary people following our project!
- Locking system integrated in the nose gear drive box. #aircraftdesign http://t.co/SWut9NTIWc http://t.co/yUOgtRpMT2
- The fruits of last weeks labour finally there. The "drive box" for the nose wheel completed in a 3d printed mold.... http://t.co/FQLhG3l4wu
- Nose Gear plans completed, materials ordered and some parts already under construction. Hopefully we will be able... http://t.co/MXon13ZXof
- Cool Aerodynamics ideas by Felix Schaller: http://t.co/1qELfANdG4May 01, 13 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- We've had a fantastic few days in southern Germany at the #AERO13. Inspiring and valuable as always. Here is an... http://t.co/K5rkErnAgP
- Maby not much to look at, but this is actually the mold for one of the main nose gear components. Some of you... http://t.co/zNPtIT1q65
- Gearing up for next weeks AERO festival in Friedrichshafen. We will not have an official exhibition, but many of... http://t.co/Mq4WqPe6Yi
- We enjoyed the very nice word used by LOOP today to describe our aircraft. Thanks! http://t.co/lkKCRj9AoZ
- Yesterday we started merging the forward surfaces with the nose wheel bay and forward structure. Also the nose... http://t.co/OgC4vq56qk
- Working on the wheel bay for the nose wheel assembly. #aircraftdesign http://t.co/DRu00xgHgT http://t.co/TasF2gyA0u
- We have to take the opportunity to congratulate our friends Ivo & Co at Pipistrel on the first flight of... http://t.co/HObe2UIMxr
- Festo keeps impressing with their flying bionics! Festo demonstrates BionicOpter dragonfly robot http://t.co/iyI6j7BCvN via @gizmag
- Jon is testing the interior for the first time in the fuselage.. Looking and feeling very "on the spot"!... http://t.co/D4mFyM90gi
- Pretty good evening when big things happen! The canopy was cut to shape and mated with the frame, and it looks... http://t.co/KLlfoUSLad
- First mating tests between the plexiglass and frame. It's looking promising although some ajustment is needed on... http://t.co/Klynxa1Hal
- Jon and Knut looking at the completed canopy frame, put in its "open" position in the rails. Now a 3mm recess... http://t.co/KkdNh1XOM3
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Equator Workshop
Equator Workshop
- Tranby, Norge
