Apollo
Well-Known Member
A friend sent me this link to review: composite kit aircraft, Raptor Aircraft Pricing
This is an interesting and ambitious project with aesthetically pleasing elements. The website has some beautiful CAD graphics, but includes more than one incorrect statement about canard aircraft. It's apparent the designer has learned SolidWorks but does not have much engineering or aerodynamics experience. I see design deficiencies they have overlooked.
Now they want to take deposits before building and testing a prototype, which is a huge red flag. That business model (for developing experimental aircraft) has failed over and over again. They also have an Indiegogo effort to raise $400,000 to build the prototype.
The designer mentions his relationship with Jeff Kerlo, who designed the V-Raptor that was discussed in another thread. Wasn't there a controversy about ownership rights for that design? I'm afraid this new effort is going to end badly for depositors.
This is an interesting and ambitious project with aesthetically pleasing elements. The website has some beautiful CAD graphics, but includes more than one incorrect statement about canard aircraft. It's apparent the designer has learned SolidWorks but does not have much engineering or aerodynamics experience. I see design deficiencies they have overlooked.
Now they want to take deposits before building and testing a prototype, which is a huge red flag. That business model (for developing experimental aircraft) has failed over and over again. They also have an Indiegogo effort to raise $400,000 to build the prototype.
The designer mentions his relationship with Jeff Kerlo, who designed the V-Raptor that was discussed in another thread. Wasn't there a controversy about ownership rights for that design? I'm afraid this new effort is going to end badly for depositors.