Mark D Hiatt wrote:
<<has anyone spoken with Ivan about what he's up to *next* with
<<the Europa? Newer (bigger) engines? Another landing gear configuration
<<beyond
<<the two available now? A Biplane?
I live quite near to the factory and see some of the secret test flying of the
"Europa Mk11". From initial sightings and Soviet spy photographs, it has twin
turbofan engines, cruises at mach 2 on 3.5 gph and seats six. Building time
slightly less than the 500 hrs <g> for the Mark 1(now obsolete) version.
BSF, the aviation business is not like computer software, witness the Cessna
172, virtually unchanged for 40 years. (What would happen to Microsoft if it
followed that approach?) The Europa Mk 1 has been refined almost to the design
freeze stage and will certainly not be instantly obsolete. Any improvements and
developments (such as the forthcoming Motor Glider wings) will most probably be
adaptable to current models. Other landing gear options? A retractable Tri Gear
is about all they don't do, mainly because it has no advantage over single wheel
version. It would certainly be heavier and unsuitable for farm strips.
Do it, go and buy one now!
Allan J Hall #177 Ready for first flight soon. (Well, so was Windows 95!)
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