Unfold Sheet Metal Ellipse

Any way to do this? Trying to build an ellipsoidal contour flange and find out what the unfolded (flat) length is.
I recognize that this may be impossible because in reality, such a form is bent incrementally and is therefore dependent on the skills of the craftsperson, and as such may not be able to be calculated.
At least I should be able to determine the probable overall length of the blank. Is there a way build a rulefor this?
Thanks,
Mike

Use the old drafting board technique to build your ellipse for Contoured Flange - tangent circles. This has been covered many times over here http://discussion.autodesk.com/forum.jspa?forumID=78