Jeffd
Well-Known Member
The Formula GT was designed to use a steel block, aluminum head small block Chevy, although the prototype was fitted with a 260 HP Lycoming IO-540 and constant speed prop. the wing was moved aft during the build to accommodate the lighter Lyc engine. The GT was the subject of magazine articles, one written by professional test pilot Chuck Berthe, who gave the GT very high marks with regard to flying qualities.
Thinking that the time might be right to remarket this plane with V8 power - 300 HP and a fixed pitch prop, with fixed gear would result in simplicity combined with very good performance (the Lyc powered GT cruised at 220 mph @ 75% Maybe offer the kits at a lower price by providing molded composite components and other items specific to the airframe only, allowing the builder to obtain over the counter items directly.
One photo shows the GT as built with the Lyc (never did like the way the protoype Lyc cowl turned out - would do it differently next time around). Other photo (photo-shopped) shows the V8 cowl shape with retract gear.
The GT features a 47 inch wide cockpit and plenty of baggage space in forward and aft compartments. Plenty of tail volume resulting in a very good CG range. The prototype held 77 gallons of fuel, with room for more.
Thinking that the time might be right to remarket this plane with V8 power - 300 HP and a fixed pitch prop, with fixed gear would result in simplicity combined with very good performance (the Lyc powered GT cruised at 220 mph @ 75% Maybe offer the kits at a lower price by providing molded composite components and other items specific to the airframe only, allowing the builder to obtain over the counter items directly.
One photo shows the GT as built with the Lyc (never did like the way the protoype Lyc cowl turned out - would do it differently next time around). Other photo (photo-shopped) shows the V8 cowl shape with retract gear.
The GT features a 47 inch wide cockpit and plenty of baggage space in forward and aft compartments. Plenty of tail volume resulting in a very good CG range. The prototype held 77 gallons of fuel, with room for more.
