DENVER, Colorado – The single-seat technology demonstrator for the “Sun Flyer” solar-electric airplane completed first flight tests and will make its public debut July 27 in Oshkosh, the evening before the official start of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Sun Flyer, being developed by Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. (AEAC) in conjunction with its development partners, Bye Aerospace […]
Experimental Aircraft
All-metal folding-wing Groppo Trail now available in U.S.
The Italian Groppo Trail is now available in the U.S. The high-wing light-sport or amateur-built kit features tandem seating, all-metal construction, and wings that are foldable in less than five minutes by one person. Experimental Light-Sport (ELSA) and amateur-built kits are available starting at $28,250. The ready-to-fly Special Light Sport (SLSA) Trail is available for $79,900. […]
Subsonex JSX-2 makes first flights
OSHKOSH — Sonex Aircraft reports that the SubSonex Personal Jet model JSX-2 achieved first flight on Thursday, July 10, completing a series of initial flight tests through the remainder of the week. “Its flight characteristics can be summed up in two words,” remarks JSX-2 test pilot Bob Carlton, “fast and smooth. She handles great and climbs well.” The initial […]
Searey expands to China
Progressive Aerodyne has opened its newly established sales office in Shanghai, China, to support the sale of Searey light-sport amphibious airplanes. The Searey was first presented to the China market at airshows in 2009. The company is working with Chinese aviation authorities to gain certification of the Searey. The Shanghai office will manage all marketing and sales and […]
Terrafugia begins two-person testing for flying car
May saw a major milestone for Terrafugia’s Transition development program: Two person flights. The Terrafugia test team has been putting the second generation Transition prototype, affectionately referred to as “D2” through its paces for about two years, alternating flight and drive testing and building confidence with the vehicle. Throughout that process, flights were conducted by […]
Students start building plane
Four students, a teacher, and two advisors from Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada —which won the second General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)/Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge — began building a Glasair Sportsman airplane June 16 at Glasair Aviation in Arlington, Washington. The team, which was announced as the winner of the Science, […]
Belite introduces ProCub Lite
WICHITA — Belite has introduced the ProCub Lite, its latest ultralight aircraft design. This new design is designed to provide a nostalgic look while incorporating numerous manufacturing and aerodynamic advances, according to company officials. The overall look is that of a J3 Cub, complete with accurate tail feathers and wingtips. Wingspan has been enhanced, and Hoerner […]
Is Little Nellie’s little sister for sale?
She’s unique. She’s armed. She’s dangerous. And she’s seen almost as much action as her big sister, Little Nellie, arguably the real star of the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice.” The XR-944 is the “military sister” to James Bond’s Little Nellie, also known as the XR-943. The XR-944 is the only autogyro designed and hand-built by the […]
Quicksilver confirms large Chinese order
TEMECULA, Calif. — Quicksilver Aeronautics reports it signed a distribution agreement resulting in an order for 77 aircraft in May. The first two aircraft are in the manufacturing process in Quicksilver’s Temecula factory and will be shipped to China for final assembly, testing, and training of Chinese technicians. “We have been pursuing quality contacts in China and […]