TWO KITPLANE manufacturers believe that they have identified a potential market for high-performance racing aircraft as low-cost alternatives to the "warbirds", such as the North American P-51 Mustang, now widely used. Both companies cite the high cost of buying and racing aircraft such as the P-51, and the outcry caused by crashes of these increasingly rare types of aircraft.
Olathe, Kansas-based Performance Aircraft says that it is six to eight weeks away from flying its Legend kitplane. The tandem-seat aircraft, which resembles a P-51, is powered by a 430kW (575hp) Chevrolet Vee-8 engine. Projected maximum speed is 320kt (590km/h), but the airframe can accommodate a 750kW turbocharged engine providing a 350kt top speed, says President Jeff Ackland.
The 1,360kg gross-weight Legend has a carbonfibre/honeycomb airframe and retractable tricycle landing gear. Kits are to be available from September, for $78,500. Performance Aircraft will offer an engine and propeller package for around $55,000. A completed aircraft should cost around $150,000, says Ackland.
Hemet, California-based Hirt Aircraft, meanwhile, plans to fly its Mk7 racing kitplane in January 1997. The single-seat, 940kg gross-weight aircraft will be powered by a 225kW Textron Lycoming IO-540, providing a maximum speed projected to exceed 300kt.
Hirt plans to begin shipping components to customers in the third quarter of 1996.
Source: Flight International
