If the market is near zero then what about the 1500 deposits? I wonder if investors actually verify anything like deposits before investing?
Please stick to the technical aspects and news of the Raptor project or this discussion will terminate.
I suspect that many of the Raptor deposits are from non-pilots.They've got it listed on their website:
http://www.velocityaircraft.com/airplane-models-txl.html
But if they don't actually sell them, then the answer is zero, and that only supports my argument about the size of the market even more.
Which gives another data point in the argument for this being a tiny market, unless one argues that the right airplane that the huge demand has been waiting for just hasn't existed until now.
Interesting logic.They've got it listed on their website:
http://www.velocityaircraft.com/airplane-models-txl.html
But if they don't actually sell them, then the answer is zero, and that only supports my argument about the size of the market even more
That may be. But nothing wrong with that if he found a way to attract new pilots.I suspect that many of the Raptor deposits are from non-pilots.
Thanks for the explanation of how Velocity markets their kits.I didn't say they don't sell them. I said there is no specific TXL kit....
As for the number of TXL Velocitys flying, I was not providing that number to imply it was a large market. You stated that could only find one. I was simply trying to provide you with a more accurate number.
See projected cost for the top of the line Velocity here http://www.velocityaircraft.com/images/Cost of A T-XLRG-5 Top Of The Line 2014.pdfMy point was that the market is small, and I think that point still stands. If folks wanted this type of plane, other than the pressurization, it's already available as the Velocity XL. And with pressurization, it's available as the Lancair IVP, of which there are also somewhere around 200 - 250 registered, per the FAA database. Over a ~20 - 30 year sale period for both planes, that kind of gives an idea that the market is small.
I've lost track of why market size was a point of discussion![]()
This.Note the difference in cost for a completed Raptor versus a Velocity that has to be built. Note the difference in performance. Note the added features, such as pressurization, in the Raptor, and the clearly superior automobile diesel engine. Anyone that can deliver on the Raptor claims can create a market.
BJC
Minor quibble: It's still an amateur-built aircraft from a kit. But that page does not exactly make that clear, tossing around sentences like "...We are pricing the finished aircraft based upon..." and "...take delivery of your aircraft..." and "...Once your air frame is complete..."...See the cost of a finished Raptor here http://www.raptor-aircraft.com/ordering.html...
would lead one to believe that he is offering a completed airplane.... When we begin construction of your air frame 30% of your aircraft price will be due. Once your air frame is complete and is ready for engine, avionics and interior a further 30% will be due. The balance will be due upon delivery of the completed aircraft.
What? He doesn’t understand?
This part would lead one to believe that he is offering a completed airplane.
BJC
Oy. I'm with Boku, they seem to be really riding the edge of the rule, the way a lot of "build centers" in the '90's were, before the FAA cracked down on the practice. This is probably going to have to be adjusted, since the project is so very "public" and the FAA is surely aware of it by now.3. How much time do I need contribute to the construction of the aircraft?
The minimum requirement in order to still satisfy the 51% rule for experimental aircraft will be 3 weeks at a construction facility where you will be supervised in closing out various components of the airframe so you have a decent understanding of how your Raptor is constructed. For most people this will be a very fun and exciting adventure. Once the airframe is complete we can transfer it to a build completion center for the engine, avioincs, interior and paint or you can have it delivered and complete these items yourself. We are going to recommend a completion center as they will have a production line approach to completion and have your aircraft flying faster and for less cost than you can do it yourself. Again, the $130K price is the finished and flying price that we are presently projecting.
From the FAQ
If that includes installing 51% of the carbon fiber splinters you get building an airplane like that, your hands would look like porcupines.You will be able to visit your local clinic to have the specified 51%-worth of blood, sweat and tears extracted to be mailed to the Raptor build centre...