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Australian Opal and others

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Aircar

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2010
Messages
3,566
Location
Melbourne Australia
Opal amphib 1976.jpgRick McWilliams asked about posting a photo of the Opal so, with a lot of help from a friend here is a scan of a couple of photos from the deep archives .
It was illegal to build both aircraft in Australia -- without fully complying with FAR 23 and additional fatigue tests full flutter survey etc BEFORE any test flight being allowed --there was no experimental category until 1999 --only imported kits and designs (plans) were totally exempt from certification --the story would require a book but not here.

The Opal was intended to be amphibious and rough dirt field capable hence the "platypus tail" shielding the prop (and fold down rear fuselage panels ) --the hull was not yet built in in this photo nor the mid wing floats --similar to Molt Taylor's Coot in floatwing with outriggers folding into the float blisters . Stiletto was flown in 1983 and resulted in me being prosecuted (again) --wings destroyed but I still have the fuselage and canard in the trailer --built a sidecar from the molds also and I will see if I can send some more photos . these are relatively conventional aerodynamics but this thread might be easiest to direct them to . Hope this sends OK.
Opal artwork.jpgStiletto.jpg
 

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