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Thread: VSTOL LSA? Is this for real?

  1. #1
    Senior Member couleeone's Avatar
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    Default VSTOL LSA? Is this for real?

    CubCrafters Announces VSTOL LSA

    Targets Takeoff From A Helipad


    ANN April 1 Special Coverage


    When you've already got a takeoff run of about 50 feet, it's not that much of
    a stretch to go VSTOL. That's the thinking behind a CubCrafters "CaveWorks"
    project for a VSTOL LSA the company hopes to have ready to announce at
    AirVenture in July.

    John Whitish, head of marketing and public relations for CubCrafters, said
    that the new airplane should be able to get in and out of a helipad. "It'll take
    some special training," he said. "But once the technique is perfected, you'll be
    able to take off and land from the legendary postage stamp."

    The "CaveWorks" team is developing a special pivoting forward fuselage that
    will work something like a tiltrotor to further shorten the airplane's
    already-short runway requirements. "We're thinking in the 15-20 foot range under
    the right conditions," Whitish said. "You'll be able to fly this airplane out of
    your driveway as long as the neighbors are understanding. We think we're finally
    developing the every-man commuter airplane. Who needs 'roadable' when you barely
    need a road."

    The company is working hard to meet the LSA weight requirements, and may
    apply for an SLSA designation. The mechanism required for the pivoting fuselage
    could add too much weight to the airplane to qualify as a straight-ahead LSA. An
    alternate configuration has a pivoting engine nacelle mounted to the top of the
    wing to better distribute weight and keep the CG within acceptable limits. "We
    don't know if true VTOL is within our reach," Whitish said. "But we're already
    darn close. Who knows what they'll come up with over in the Cub Cave."

    FMI: www.cubcrafters.com











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    Geo
    Piper Cub J3
    www.cubdriving.com

  2. #2
    Senior Member randylervold's Avatar
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    Default Re: VSTOL LSA? Is this for real?

    Geo, this is an April 1st joke. That whole issue was filled with spoofs, sorry to disappoint you!
    Randy Lervold

  3. #3
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    Default Re: VSTOL LSA? Is this for real?

    This is actually great marketing in spite fo the spoof! Got us all talking and we already land often where choppers land ( just a bit longer than the helipad) which has them talking also. Great stuff Randy. Best G

  4. #4
    Senior Member couleeone's Avatar
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    Default Re: VSTOL LSA? Is this for real?

    Gary, heck yes....that's one of my mottos go where the helio's can't! I thought the VSTOL spoof was great!
    Geo
    Piper Cub J3
    www.cubdriving.com

  5. #5
    Senior Member couleeone's Avatar
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    Default Re: VSTOL LSA? Is this for real?

    This is what I want most of all! When I win the lotto........
    Geo
    Piper Cub J3
    www.cubdriving.com

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