Checking in with this thread, recall the estimated empty weight was 2,000 lbs. They weighed the prototype last week and it came in at 2917 lbs. not yet assembled so the final number will likely be more, it certainly won't be less. Missing their estimate by more than 45% is not a good sign. At that weight just filling the tanks with Jet-A would put them over the planned gross weight of 3,600 lb. even without a pilot. Obviously the gross will have to go up, but then the performance will suffer ….

Think of the smooth ride with this new wing loading!

And the impact energy with the associated stall speed....

It is not the fall that kills. It is the sudden stoppage....

Tim

Wow, no one saw that coming.

Mike C.

Wow, no one saw that coming.

Mike C.

I feel like laughing at this makes me a mean person.

I feel like laughing at this makes me a mean person.

To be fair, most airplanes gain weight over time. The Bonanza gained that 45% and more but it took them 50 years. So maybe in this, as in so many ways, the Raptor folks are just slightly ahead of their time!

...and so do college kids and old folks like me!

Just watched the latest update video, and Peter is talking to the camera and explains why they are doing all the sanding and priming trying make the prototype as pretty as possible, because...... they are looking for an investor to put real money into it or the project will not be possible.

So now those with “refundable” deposits may get to find out if they are truly refundable. Who knows someone may invest in it, but it won’t be at the pricing level advertised on the website.

Disappointed - yes. Surprised - no.

I hope I am wrong but I agree, I think they have a real up hill battle ahead. Assuming the prototype flys and preforms well. Getting the funding is going to be really hard I think. Peter has seemed a bit discouraged in some of his videos. I think he sees the writing on the wall so to speak. I hope it all works out I am rooting for them.

They don't understand investors.

Investors are not swayed by pretty. They are swayed by a feasible idea, talented team, solid execution plan, and profit potential.

This project might be 0 for 4 on those points.

Investors are particularly adept at detecting lip stick on a pig. Pretty might actually count against you as the investors want to see the ugly as much as possible and they will question your priorities if you spend your time on the wrong thing now.

The chance this project turns into a viable product is about the same as winning the lottery.

Mike C.

They don't understand investors.

Investors are not swayed by pretty. They are swayed by a feasible idea, talented team, solid execution plan, and profit potential.

This project might be 0 for 4 on those points.

Investors are particularly adept at detecting lip stick on a pig. Pretty might actually count against you as the investors want to see the ugly as much as possible and they will question your priorities if you spend your time on the wrong thing now.

The chance this project turns into a viable product is about the same as winning the lottery.

Mike C.

lottery has better odds.

Where are the Raptor Believers?

And if this doesn’t work out, what will I do with the hangar space between my Terrafugia and my supersonic BD-10?