At this week’s AirVenture, Belite Aircraft introduced the SkyDock, an ultralight Part 103 aircraft.
“We’ve listened to customer concerns about price, build time and ease of construction. The SkyDock offers Part 103 legal ultralight flying at an affordable price without sacrificing performance or the technology that is a part of the Belite reputation, ” said James Wiebe, president/CEO of Belite Enterprises.
The strutless low-wing design offers efficient, low drag, low-speed flying, he said. Wings detach for storage or transport. There are no lift struts and no jury struts for easier assembly and less drag while flying.
Various engine options are available, he noted.
Construction is easy — wood and aluminum parts are precision-cut utilizing CNC, Wiebe said. No welding is required. Fiberglass and carbon fiber are used for reinforcement.
Belite offers two additional models: The ProCub Lite with CNC foam and aluminum construction, and the UltraCub with CNC aluminum. Both models are available as factory built and kits.
Belite Enterprises is funding the final development of the SkyDock design on KickStarter. Participants will receive rewards and a substantial discount on the price of a kit. The kit is priced at $3,995 on Kickstarter. The KickStarter project opens this week for four weeks.
So they are saying basically $4,000 for the fuselage. How much for the wings? Tail? Landing gear? Etc. We know we still have to add paint, instruments, engine, and propeller.
What I want to know is what will the finished aircraft cost and what the entire “Kit” will cost. I can’t fly a fuselage.
Although I commend Belite for their great work in lowering the cost of aircraft ownership. I looked at this thing at Oshkosh and the workmanship was not pretty and probably not safe for flight. Hopefully they improve that to an acceptable level before they start sending out people kits. Could you imagine though your own aircraft for less than the cost of an 8 year old used vehicle? It’s exciting news.
Just a few days ago I was commenting on how more Aviation companies should be focusing on lowering the costs of airplane ownership, and voila, this is the lowest cost fixed wing kit I have ever seen!
Super excited about this, hopefully more companies follow and keep pushing to spread affordable aviation to more people.
Those long aspect low wings and short-coupled narrow base tricycle landing gear might pose more than a handful to control in crosswind or gusty landings, my impression.