Vibratech Propeller Balancing
We have now added Propeller Balancing to our inventory of technical services because a properly balanced propeller not only delivers the ultimate in aerodynamic efficiency but it also creates a quieter environment for the pilot and reduces airframe wear and fatigue.
We now have been appointed provisional agents for the Vibratech Propeller balancing system, that our detailed research has shown, is the ultimate in efficiency.
Homebuilding Supplies
The Hughes Group of Companies are here to help you with all your home building requirements, be it parts, advice or information. Feel free to call or email Howie or one of the team during work hours.
The Hughes Group of Companies - Electric Car - The Roadie
Hughes Engineering's desire to contribute to solutions to climate change has resulted in our development of what we hope will be Australia's first production all-Australian-Designed, three seat, electric motor vehicle.
The ‘Roadie' as we call it, will be driven by state of the art electronics and batteries and will feature an ultra-sleek and ultra-light aerodynamic body. Driving with a single rear wheel with two steer able wheels up front, and yes, there are a lot of similarities between the body of our ‘Roadie' and our Australian LightWing SP-2000 aircraft.
Follow the Roadie Project as it develops at the Roadie Blog Website .
Note: the British government has set carbon reduction targets way above Australia’s however they plan on providing financial incentives towards the purchase of clean green vehicles.
As of the end of 2008, we believe we are the only company to be seriously designing and developing a light electric vehicle in Australia. Whilst there are a number of designs around the world, we believe Hughes Engineering not only to be the only Australian company actively pursuing this goal but we are the only company capable of achieving a viable solution using aviation technology, to green non-polluting, personal road transport. Many companise are converting standard passenger vehicles to electric but when this takes place, all the problems of weight and aerodynamic drag, go along with the standard vehicle, not a good solution !
The ‘Roadie' will carry two people plus one or two children in the rear seats at speeds of up to 100 km's per hour over distances, that we hope will extend as far as 200 km's.
All our images by the way, are developed by Rex Forwood, a local graphics designer and all round good fellow, if you need assistance putting your ideas on paper, call us and we will give you Rex's contact details.
The electricity stored in the ‘Roadie's' high tech batteries will cost no more than a dollar to charge making the cost per kilometer over a 200-kilometer trip little more 2 cents per kilometer.
Need convincing on the need to come up with real-time solutions to climate change, read "Hot Flat and Crowded" by T L Friedman published by Penguin. its a long book but covers most of the bases, it paints a bleak picture of what will happen if we dont embrace the green revolution and embrace it any time now ?
The Roadie
The CO 2 emissions produced by the ‘Roadie' can be reduced to absolute zero by charging the vehicle from a home charging station based on solar and/or wind energy. Even if the vehicle is plugged in to the grid for charging purposes, the amount of greenhouse gas produced per kilometer will be reduced to no more than 10% of that which would be produced, were the vehicle powered by burning fossil fuels.
How can this be so ?
Firstly: because the Roadie is light so less energy is used to cart itself about. I have driven a 4WD double cab for the past 5 years or so, it travels 10 kilometers for every litre but about 90% of this fuel is ueed to (a) heat the air via the raidiator and (b) cart the 2 tons of metal from which the chassi and body is made from A to B. Its so stupid, I dont want to heat the air and the metal has no desire to go anywhere, the Roadie will weigh in at a fraction of the weight of my 4WD and has no radiator.
The ‘Roadie' will be manufactured using aircraft technology which we hope clearly explains our claim that we are the only company in Australia capable of producing a viable electric vehicle, as weight, or the lack of, is the key factor in the design and development of an electric vehicle.
Empty or the max take off weight – or let's say the curb weight, in road terms, of the ‘Roadie' will be less than 300 kilograms. With a maximum weight of around 500kgs.
We'll keep you updated on our project ** Watch This Space ** or please contact us for more information.
Want to know why we care? »ALW BLOG
FAQ's Coming Soon!