And also the wing size, propeller sizer, body size, ruder, elevator needed.
I might sound stupid; I am a beginner and I just want to these basis.
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4$\begingroup$ Not stupid, but way too broad of a question. You are basically asking the whole set of design priciples for a small acft. $\endgroup$– Jpe61Aug 14, 2021 at 10:50
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3$\begingroup$ Does this answer your question? Is it possible to fly using a small engine? $\endgroup$– user14897Aug 14, 2021 at 12:44
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$\begingroup$ The answers to this question may be of help: aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/45160/… $\endgroup$– xxavierAug 14, 2021 at 15:17
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$\begingroup$ You might want to rephrase the question to eliminate things like gliders and balloons. Something like "What's the minimum power needed for a plane to maintain altitude in still air?" $\endgroup$– jamesqfAug 14, 2021 at 16:51
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$\begingroup$ Given that the asker mentioned wings and propellers, then surely they meant airplanes (powered fixed-wing); sadly the rushed tongue in cheek answers are never helpful and IMO should be deleted, and also the question closed until the scope in the body is narrowed down. $\endgroup$– user14897Aug 14, 2021 at 18:48
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2 Answers
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Gliders fly without any engine at all, therefore, I would say the minimum horse power required is 0.
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1$\begingroup$ "Gliders fly without any engine at all": I guess that's a simplification. Gliders need engines and fuel to become airborne, even if there are particular cases: One time flight from a hill, winch rotated by wind, etc. $\endgroup$– minsAug 14, 2021 at 11:48
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$\begingroup$ It is perfectly possible for a glider to take off from a hill top with no mechanical engine or winch power, climb using the lift from the wind blowing over the hill, and land back on the same hill top for another flight. $\endgroup$ Aug 15, 2021 at 15:16
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Hydrogen/Helium balloons fly without any engine at all, therefore, I would say the minimum horse power required is 0.
answered Aug 14, 2021 at 16:37