The two-seat proof of concept prototype for the Sun Flyer solar-electric flight trainer has arrived at its home station at Centennial Airport near Denver. Aircraft final integration and assembly began immediately. The aircraft, being developed by Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. (AEAC), is intended to be the first FAA-certified, U.S.-sponsored, all-electric airplane serving the flight training […]
Experimental Aircraft
First Merlin PSA in U.S. takes flight
The first Merlin Personal Sport Aircraft (PSA) in the U.S. has taken flight. “The acceleration and climb rate are exhilarating,” said pilot Chip Erwin. “It brings the sport back into sport planes with a power-to-weight ratio about 50% higher than most Light-Sport Aircraft. It will be perfect on our new amphibious floats!” The Merlin PSA is an […]
Sonex reveals B models now in development
Sonex Aircraft has unveiled its latest aircraft development project: Sonex and Waiex B-Models. “What is the B-Model?” asks Sonex designer and founder John Monnett. “It’s what you’ve been asking for. More of everything you want in a sport aircraft: More room and comfort, more panel space, more fuel, more engine choices, and more standard features combined with reduced build time and the […]
Cobalt Valkyrie pre-orders top $50 Million in 90 days
SAN FRANCISCO — Cobalt reports it received more than $50 million in pre-orders for the company’s first two models — the Co50 Valkyrie and the Valkyrie-X — within the first 90 days. The fully certified version, Co50 Valkyrie, and the experimental version, Valkyrie-X, were publicly introduced Nov. 12, 2015. Upon opening the order book, Cobalt officials said they received hundreds […]
Switchblade flying car development advances
Sam Bousfield, CEO of Samson Motors and designer of the Switchblade flying sports car, recently unveiled the latest advances in the company’s multi-year program to establish a viable flying car. “The idea of landing at an airport, pushing a button to stow wings and tail, and drive to your destination not only brings us new-found […]
Titan-powered Kitfox makes first flight
HOMEDALE, Idaho – Kitfox Aircraft hung a 180-horsepower Titan X340 engine on an airframe and took it flying the first week of January. “Flight testing is partially complete, but so far we are seeing massive climb performance,” reported Kitfox on its Facebook page. “We are seeing numbers at 2500 fpm cruise climb and are hoping for […]
Murphy Aircraft begins S-LSA certification for Rebel
Murphy Aircraft has begun the process to take the Murphy Rebel through the Special-Light-Sport Aircraft certification process. “We have received numerous inquires for an S-LSA certified Rebel, as well as E-LSA Rebel kits,” said Darryl Murphy, owner and founder of Murphy Aircraft Mfg., based in Chilliwack, BC, Canada. “The number of inquiries are too large to […]
360° video Zenith flight, factory tour
“While I don’t think VR [virtual reality] will ever replace the real thing, it’s a way to attract new people to sport aviation, and allows existing pilots to share the great experience of flying in a light airplane,” said Sebastien Heintz, president of Zenith Aircraft Company, about the release of a new 360° virtual reality video […]
CubCrafters adds emergency aircraft parachutes
YAKIMA, Wash. — CubCrafters has introduced new emergency parachute systems for the company’s line of backcountry tailwheel airplanes. The systems were developed in conjunction with BRS Aerospace. The BRS parachute systems are offered on CubCrafters’ production Carbon Cub SS aircraft, as well as the company’s Carbon Cub FX Builder Assist model and its EX-2 kit. Systems are also available […]