In 2001 George Gregory presented his design for a dual-use vehicle and has continued to work on the project. Now known as the "Solstice", it is a two seat, three surface pusher of composite construction with tricycle gear and detachable main wings. Driving footprint is 6.5 feet wide by 17 feet long by 5.5 feet high to allow it to fit into a standard garage. The conceptual drawings shown here include the modifications he has made to the original design.
The vehicle features a main landing gear that moves up and aft to lower the body of the machine for driving purposes. It follows the curve of the longerons. This not only lowers the vehicle but also lengthens the wheelbase to improve the location of the centre of gravity when on the road. The nosewheel retracts partway into the nose for driving, to keep things level.
"I went to a nosewheel configuration," says George, "when I realized that the single rear wheel of the original design would be unstable as the aircraft rotated for takeoff. A further benefit was that it meant the centre of gravity didn't have to come as far forward for driving purposes in order to apply more equal weight to all three wheels. Also, this change made larger wheels more practical and better for driving."
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