Hypothetically, I'm curious to know how many people here would be willing to purchase an experimental airplane that is built about the size of a B36TC (possibly slightly larger) but made of carbon fiber, 6.5 psi pressure, 6 seats, forward baggage as well as in cabin, 1000 lbs useful load, 1300 nm range at 300 kts on ~40-45 gph.

I have some really good ideas and think that it can be done. I know it wouldn't be a cabin class airplane, but a 300 kt airplane would get you to your destination much faster thus you won't have to be in the smaller cabin for as long.

All this for the $1-1.3m range. What say you?

Gerry,

Lancair Evolution is selling just fine.
It is outside my price range, but obviously they sell enough to stay in business.

Tim

Gerry,

Lancair Evolution is selling just fine.
It is outside my price range, but obviously they sell enough to stay in business.

Tim

It wont happen. What you are talking about is an Epic and it cost $2m.
Its an homebuilt with all its drawback.

Not me.

I want to be able to sell my stuff when I'm ready.

Are you talking about the SA Ravin 700TP?

http://www.saravin.com/Newsletter.html

I don't see many people pumping 1.3 million into an experimental and I especially don't see many people that can afford a 1.3 million dollar airplane spending the time it would take to build an airplane of this complexity.

Robert

Ok... so far negative nancys. Not what I was looking for but I guess it's feedback.

Never heard of this before.

It wont happen. What you are talking about is an Epic and it cost $2m.
Its an homebuilt with all its drawback.

Well, all I can say is Lancair has been selling experimental planes for years now. So there has to be a market. Plus, I read somewhere that the home built market is growing 90% faster than the certified market. Sounds like things are shifting this direction. BTW, the plane I'd like to build, I would try to design it to comply with FAR part 23 so that potentially some day it could be certified.

Full disclosure: I'm a used aircraft kinda guy. No way would I buy a new G36 over my A36, even though the G36 is nicer in several ways.

If I was going to spend $1.3MM and had your proposed airplane's mission in mind, I'd be looking at an older TBM. Certified, turbine, proven, built, readily marketable, and has a much nicer cabin than the B36-class airplane.

I admit that I don't understand the pilots who plunk down the better part of a million to be the first guy to own a new G36, so I'm sure there is a segment of the airplane buying market who disagrees with me and may agree with you. Even they might be reluctant to bet on a brand-new, experimental, new composite material design.

I wish you the best of luck, and love seeing innovators bring ideas to aviation. I worry that your uphill climb is a steep one, though.

Yes, a TBM would be a very good choice. I guess my goal is to bring that kind of performance to the market at a price point that many could get in to as well as having a much lower cost on parts for annual, and significantly lower operating cost. The biggest reason why a TBM can be hard for some to swallow is because of the $20-40k annual costs (if we are referring to a comparably priced TBM). I've just recently been convinced of two things. Composite is the wave of the future. Extremely light and strong, doesn't lose strength when it flexes (like all metals do) and it essentially gives an airplane no hull life limit. On top of that and if you want real performance with safety the only place to innovate is in the experimental market.

Beechcraft is a perfect example. When was the last time they innovated with the Bonanza? The market place has been pretty stagnant from an innovation standpoint because of how restrictive the FAA certification process is.

The problem with Experimentals ( and I've had a few), is the time to build them ( unless you're retired) and the resell process. Yes, they offer so many advantages it's no wonder why many people take the leap. BUT many are offered for sale down the road partially completed due to the lack of time to finish the kit. And, try to sell one once it's been completed.......unless it's an Oshkosh award winner or a super, giveaway deal you'll have it for a looooonnnggg time. Also, insuring one can be more difficult than a production plane. I don't want to dissuade you....aviation NEEDS people to dream and try, it's how we got here in the first place. But be careful to research all before you jump in.
Good luck!

Something along the lines of an Extra EA-500?
Always wondered why the EA-400 never caught on.