A friend is planning on buying a Titan T51 in the near future.
That got me looking at what's out there for fighter replicas. It seems like the options are pretty limited if you want something that 1) is relatively within reach for most people, and 2) has the performance you'd expect.
I was looking at some replicas and a cruising speed of 85 mph just doesn't seem to fit the image.
I think the T51 is in a good market position, having the looks and respectable performance.
I'm thinking that there is a niche for other replicas of classic fighters waiting to be filled, with cruise speeds around 150 and VNe's around 200. RVs and Mustang IIs have had that kind of performance for years. All that's left is giving it the external form of a classic piston-engined fighter.
For the guy who can't throw down the money for a Carbon Mustang (plus operating costs, etc.), something in the T51 class would be ideal. Maybe a Corsair or P-47 relpica with a 150 hp Rotec? A P-40 with the "Mini Merlin?"
I don't mean to sound like I'm slamming the popular replicas being pulled around by Rotax engines. One of the great things about aviation is that there is enough variety out there to scratch each person's itch. I'm just thinking that there is an empty spot in the market that is begging to be filled.
That got me looking at what's out there for fighter replicas. It seems like the options are pretty limited if you want something that 1) is relatively within reach for most people, and 2) has the performance you'd expect.
I was looking at some replicas and a cruising speed of 85 mph just doesn't seem to fit the image.
I think the T51 is in a good market position, having the looks and respectable performance.
I'm thinking that there is a niche for other replicas of classic fighters waiting to be filled, with cruise speeds around 150 and VNe's around 200. RVs and Mustang IIs have had that kind of performance for years. All that's left is giving it the external form of a classic piston-engined fighter.
For the guy who can't throw down the money for a Carbon Mustang (plus operating costs, etc.), something in the T51 class would be ideal. Maybe a Corsair or P-47 relpica with a 150 hp Rotec? A P-40 with the "Mini Merlin?"
I don't mean to sound like I'm slamming the popular replicas being pulled around by Rotax engines. One of the great things about aviation is that there is enough variety out there to scratch each person's itch. I'm just thinking that there is an empty spot in the market that is begging to be filled.