Aircraft designer John Edgley, of Optica fame, has brought his new EA9 sailplane to Farnborough - the show's slowest and lowest-powered aircraft.
On display in the historic and light aircraft park, the EA9 is unique in that it is made from Fibrelam, a strong, lightweight pre-cured composite sandwich with a Nomex honeycomb fill.
Fibrelam is commonly used in airliners both for floor panels and in the galley.
The EA9 is put together rather like a child's model kit.
As Fibrelam had never been used before for primary structures, the Department of Trade and Industry recognised the importance of this new technique for the aviation industry and Edgley received more than £400,000 ($620,000) worth of government awards for research and development.
Respected
Loosely modelled on the respected K18 glider, the EA9 has proved successful already.
After only 25h of test flights, England's best-known glider pilot Derek Piggot achieved an overall third place in last year's regional finals at Lasham.
He also took a first in the early stages of the regionals at Sutton Bank in Yorkshire last month.
The EA9 may well turn out to be one of the cheapest gliders on the market and the most practical to operate commercially.
It's very rugged, lightweight and easily repaired.
Orders are being taken at the show from Edgley Aeronautics on the static park. The EA9 will be available in ready-made or kit forms.
Source: Flight Daily News
