I've been following the build videos. Airworthiness was issued back in May but could not find any evidence of phase 1 flight test on any of the ADS-B trackers. He's done well to keep it under wraps this long. I think the big reveal was planned for today.
Doesn’t it have to be completed to get an airworthiness?
It may be the leading edge of technology but its on the trailing edge in looks.
Lot of hype. I'd like to see how well it makes use of all that engine. Something tells me it's a heavy pig and won't out-perform a normal Carbon Cub. In fact, I think Mike said the same thing at one point.
I also wonder about the weight. I was thinking it started out being a purpose built stol drag machine and now has pivoted to a search and rescue plane? Neat exercise however. He has more talent in one hair as I do so in my whole body!Lot of hype. I'd like to see how well it makes use of all that engine. Something tells me it's a heavy pig and won't out-perform a normal Carbon Cub. In fact, I think Mike said the same thing at one point.
I don't see anything to criticize.
He said it might be possible that the angle of attack he can get to in slow flight would be so steep, that if things started to go south, it might roll over on its back.
I watched all the build videos and it was only close to the most recent one that I thought - how can that work? He's using flexible solar panels as lifting surfaces (outboard half of each wing). I'm expecting them to flex, crack the circuit tracks, and perhaps fail structurally. Perhaps in a later video he'll explain why there was no need to be concerned.
he never intended for it to compete with anything.
Not saying it isn't cool or interesting. I'm glad someone out there is throwing gobs of money to answer the questions nobody asked.
By the same token, if it were not for the very rich throwing money at wild hairs like the Patey brothers are doing, where would the guys with limited means be able to weed out ideas they would otherwise not be able to include in their thought processes? I for one appreciate what they are doing as I am fascinated with complex "Rube Goldberg" gadgets which accomplish a mission. I could never be able to consider acquiring a small percentage of their airplane making toys, yet I love seeing the toys in action.That was my take. More interested in seeing guys with limited means eking out GA fun than very rich throwing money at wild hairs.