Sopwith Camel Project By Michel Cavin, Xavier Michel and assisting engineer Mathias Farouz:

Michel CAVIN is a retired French Airforce mechanic. On return to civil life, being PART 66 certified he has become involved in the maintenance of French Classical Aviation Associations' (Aéroclub) aircraft.

Michel's experience extends to both piston and jet engines including the Pratt & Whitney radial R.985.AN.1 Wasp Junior which has no secrets for him, This radial engine experience makes him very comfortable in working on the Rotec R3600 installation for this project.

Michel has also been involved with many amateur aircraft projects with some of them flying in the Amicale Jean-Baptiste Salis Association.

Michel also owns a modified (by him) Gardan “Minicab" which is very fast and responsive though not for used in aerobatics.

Xavier MICHEL is an active business man and aviation enthusiast, Xavier flies different types of piston engine aircraft, including some twin engine powered as well as helicopters for which he is a qualified instructor. He is IFR qualified.

Xavier also races cars and not surprisingly sometimes uses Michel as his mechanic.

Mathias FAROUZ is a consultant for a major European and world aircraft manufacturer, specializing in costing for in both design and serial stages.

An aviation enthusiast he flys sailplanes, ultralights and many light aircraft including a CAP10 for aerobatics.

Mathias is also a student in aviation completing courses at ISAE High and ONERA Aerolabs in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, specific prop design, landing gear design, and stress calculations, As such he is well suited in providing detailed design support for Michel working on the Camel Trainer project..

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November 2011 - Mathias reports from the hanger:

• Michel is working on a temporary landing gear that I designed in order to easily move the plane and assemble the wings for the first certification by our aviation authorities.

• I'm currently compiling and logging all the stress and design calculations necessary for the French aviation authorities again towards certification

• The prop’s dimensions/values are being introduced into CAD software for the prop to be NC milled, The values being used being as close as possible to my original design (see drawing that follows).

• We are impatient to fire up the engine once the prop is made and attached. It will be interesting to measure and compare the static thrust developed against my calculated value of 2900N Force at 2060 RPM on the prop.

Mid 2011 Engine cowled. Sopwith Camel is ready for covering. Prop under consideration:

Mid 2010 Engine mounted:

By mid 2008 the wings are completed and by the end of 2009 the wings are attached:

Progress made to the end of 2007:

December 2007 and forward: Preliminary design work and ending with the supply of an oil tank and frame

 

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