First Glance at the SPA Panther

**Come see us at Sun'NFun - Booth N034 - outside of Hangar C**

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The Concept

   The Panther is designed to be a versatile, mid-sized, single seat low wing Sport or LSA aerobatic airplane with quick fold wings.

Why?

 

We all know there are 10 different single seat airplanes in this class, so why do we need another one?  It comes down to compromises. Every designer picks their own set of compromises, whether it be engine choice, construction, technique or building modes (like plans versus kits), just to name a few. It has always been and always will be a give and take. The designs in the current market never seemed to fit my set of desired compromises. They were either too small, very complex to build, designed around a specific engine or could only be kit built. When thinking in terms of a single seat airplane I always thought there should be an aircraft with a much broader set of compromises.

                                                     

The Panther offers un-paralleled versatility. The Panther is the Burger King of airplanes, “Have it Your Way”. You choose the engine, landing gear configuration, wing length, safety features, open or enclosed cockpit and kit or plan/kit combo….you make it how you want it.

Common features

 

  • Quick (2 min or less) easy single person wing fold, no controls to disconnect. 
  • fit in 18ftx7x7 space (trailer ) when folded
  • large cockpit with adjustable rudder pedals and seat back, room for big guys and a parachute!
  • forward (2cu ft)and rear baggage area
  • pilot rollover protection
  • ballistic chute capable
  • bubble canopy replaceable by small windshield and skirt for open cockpit flying
  • excellent visibility

 

Flying design goals

  

  • easy to fly with low stall/landing speed
  • long stick and travel for light control feel without being "twitchy"
  • positively stable in all axis
  • excellent off runway and climb performance
  • fun and sporty to fly with great performance and wide speed range!

There will be 3 wing lengths/airframe configurations

    

Sport

wingspan 21.5 ft

not LSA

6Gs at 1150 lbs

engines from Corvair to Lycoming 0-320

up to 30 gal fuel in wings

empty weights from 620-750

tail dragger only.

 

LSA                

Wingspan 23.5 ft

LSA legal 

6Gs at 1020 lbs

engines form 80-120 hp

20 gal fuel in wing

empty weights from 580-650lbs 

tail dragger or tri-gear

 

Long LSA     

Same as LSA but with extended wings     

Extended tapered tips on LSA wing and horizontal stab for small engines

high ALT

electric power or sport flight with high efficiency, etc

Construction

  

  • 6061 aluminum / flush blind rivets (solid optional)
  • 4130 steel tube construction from seat back to firewall. All critical attachment points like landing gear, wing pin, engine mount, 5 point harness, ballistic chute, rollover bar, control hard points etc. will be welded in the jig . This allows quick accurate construction of all critical points.  Offers safety in a crash. Skinned in AL
  • quick easy to build tail cone rivets/bolts on to the forward fuselage
  • simple control surface design
  • simple strong wing spar with only seven components per spar (plus bolts/rivets)
  • simple flat AL bar gear leg (2024 or lightweight 7075 airfoil shape)

Think RV-3 slammed into Sonex and you'll get an idea of size and looks.

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