What happened to the basic Lancair?

[Gorilla]

When the very first Lancair was introduced years ago, I was blown away by both the performance and the appearance. Now that I'm actually ready to build, all that seems to be left is an IO-550 retractable ($$), and a fixed gear basic Lancair.

Does anyone know what happened to the base models, and why they are no longer supported? Are kits available still for the lower-powered models? I was hoping there would be an O360 retract version.

I'm leaning towards an RV, but I'm still doing research. thanks!

 

[Huggyu2]

Gorilla,
If considering the RV, look at an F-1 Rocket. One guy in my squadron has one and races it at Reno. Another just bought an F-1 kit. It will probably run you about $20000 more than an RV-8, with HUGE amounts of performance.

 

[Gorilla]

Huggy, thanks, I'm still into the research mode. All sorts of factors are going into the decision, such as price, support, performance, and construction methods. Speed is way up there on the desirable list. I'll look into the Rocket.

 

[MAJIC9]

I've mentioned this before.. and it's a HUGE factor... RV builder network is worth its weight in gold.. literally... May not sound like a big deal at first.

With most other kits, you'll be lucky if there's someone in your state building a similar model.. forget about a few houses down the road kind of thing.

Also, RV kits are absolutely excellent and easy enough to put together that an average guy (like myself) can do it. Note, I'm not saying anything bad about other kits or performance of other types.. but there is a reason why RVs are by far most popular homebuilts in the world.

ok.. as you can tell, I'm maybe biased

 

[DustMaker]

Yes - a network is nice to have - hard to build in a vacuum

all of the rutan derivatives are supported at our forum

build what you LOVE - you may then finish it

 

[psysicx]

When looking at the Lancair kits the price does not include the engine correct?

 

[crash-proof]

When looking at ANY kit the price doesn't include the engine, even for the Jabiru, who make their own engine. I can't think of one kit manuf. with the engine included in the price. I think I've seen a few that throw in an "estimated complete price" which is a ballpark figure with engine, avionics, paint, etc figured in.

 

[SIG600]

Gorilla
Lancair still makes a 2 seat kit... I believe it's called the Legacy. Basically the same thing as the 320/360 from way back, fixed gear, and I believe a slightly different wing.

Second the RV idea though. Metal is a lot easier to work with (speaking from experience) and as someone said, the builder network is HUGE. Can almost guarantee there's someone building one within 50 miles of where you live. There are thousands of them flying.


On another note... whatever happened to the Glasair kits. Those things were hotrods. I know Stoddard Hamilton went TU but anyone heard if someone's gonna venture into reproducing the kits?

 

[Gorilla]

Gorilla
Lancair still makes a 2 seat kit... I believe it's called the Legacy. Basically the same thing as the 320/360 from way back, fixed gear, and I believe a slightly different wing.

Thanks SIG. I am aware of the Legacy but I thought it was a larger, costlier version of the original. IO-550? It'd be a hotrod, but with fuel costs the way they are, I was hoping I could build one of the O-360 older Lancairs.

The RV is still looking VERY good as an all-around fun airplane. 6G, fast, tandem seating, etc. Basic acro on one day, high-speed burger the next.

 

[crash-proof]

*voice inside your head*

"Buy the Rocket, buy the Rocket, buy the ro......."

250hp, 4,000fpm, 250mph, etc etc.

Harmon Rocket

 

[Gorilla]

*voice inside your head*

"Buy the Rocket, buy the Rocket, buy the ro......."

250hp, 4,000fpm, 250mph, etc etc.

Harmon Rocket

Arrrgh! I KNOW if I go "economical" I will eventually lust for MORE POWER. :nuts:

Maybe I should just do it right the first time. Thanks for possibly melting my wallet even more. :crying:

 

[Huggyu2]

Not the Harmon Rocket,...
get the "F-1 Rocket".

 

[taloft]

One word: Quickbuild. Erm, maybe that's two words...

 

[Gorilla]

One word: Quickbuild. Erm, maybe that's two words...

Definitely - Whatever I go for, it'll be the QB route, not because I can't do the build, but I'd like to get it flying while my kids are still living at home and not off to college. I'm hoping the work will be a fun, bonding experience for me and my son.

 

[sleddriver77]

Have you considered an "abandoned" project? Lots of times, especially with kits that are no longer in production, you can find one that somebody started and then ran out of money/time/desire etc. Can be GREAT deals, or a complete POS depending. (Be REAL careful with secondhand "plastic" airplane projects, though. A couple of hidden improper layups could really wreck your day.) Try your local EAA chapter or Barnstormers.com as a source for "no longer wanted" projects.

 

[SIG600]

If you're gonna go the quickbuild route with the RV's, make sure you plan to wait for several months. Last I checked it was like 4-6 months from order to delivery. If you order the empenage, wing, and fuse, kits all at the same time, you can be working on the tail while the rest is on it's way. Get your metal working skills down. And it gives you an appreciation for how many dimples and rivets you WON'T have to do when the QB sections show up!!!!

On the Lancair. I had no idea the Legacy used a 6 cyl. engine. That things gotta haul ass.

 

[flyboycpa]

Gorilla,
If considering the RV, look at an F-1 Rocket. One guy in my squadron has one and races it at Reno. Another just bought an F-1 kit. It will probably run you about $20000 more than an RV-8, with HUGE amounts of performance.

I've been building an RV-7 with my best friend. We looked at the Rocket, too, because it is a fabulous performer. The insurance on the completed aircraft was 2 1/2 to 3 times what it would cost to insure the -7. (in all fairness, part of the increase in premium is due in part to an estimated extra $15k-$20k higher hull value on the Rocket).

Unless you have an extremely high amount of flight time (and particularly, tailwheel time) OR you are just filthy rich and don't mind the insurance premium, I would definitely consider the cost of insurance prior to purchasing a kit.

 

[V1cutsrfun]

If you still want a 320/360 series many are still available it the kit/unopened and ready to assembled. The Legacy is a follow on to the 360 series as product evolution. Having flown several RV's and nearly all (except the ES) lancair's models, it is the best all around Product. The Rv is the best bang for the buck, the overall sex appeal in the lancair is higher. The F1 has gear box issues and the Legacy can be built with a VAREITY engine option. the legacy just took an already proven product and improved upon it. Besides it has more room. I just flew 900 miles in a 320 and the room in the legacy would have been a boon. I just flew the IVP the other way and...well its an apples to oranges....The pilot group in the Lancair community is great just the same. Many 300 and 200's for that matter are still under construction and won't be "orphaned" any time soon. It is still possible to have what you want.

Bum:beer:

 

[psysicx]

Barnstomers is a great site. Theres an RV-6 for sale that is 90% done for only 17K. Thats cheap. How much does an engine cost. I know its going to vary.

 

[CDogg]

For a factory new IO360 I think you're probably looking around 30k when all said and done. You could always buy one with some time on it and to a top overhaul on it, and you would probably save some money and have just as good of an engine. Factory new anything cost a lot...you could find something for around 15 in good shape that would do you good for atleast a thousand hours.

 

[Gorilla]

A genuine Lycoming will cost a bundle, as CDogg said, but there are now "clone" engines available at significantly less cost. These are for experimental aircraft, which of course any home-built will be. Supposedly the parts are identical or superior to the factory parts.

http://www.mattituck.com/

Click on the Experimental Engines link. A new clone O-360 is $21K. They have overbored O-390's too, lots of power in the same package as the -360. Given Mattituck's reputation, I'd be completely comfortable with one of these up front.

 

[dogismycopilot]

While the company recommends the IO550 in the Legacy, the original prototype was successfully flown and put out some impressive numbers with some form of the IO360. Like so many other aircraft manufacturers, the lure of more power and more performance was too difficult to pass up. Shortly after the initial introduction, the HP was increased. The great thing about a homebuilt is the ability to put any engine with any airframe and ride it for all it's worth.

 

[CDogg]

I'd think it would do just fine with a Cont. IO360 with some 10:1 pistons... probably get 235-240 out of it just fine... and would sip gas compared to a guzzling IO550... it's an experimental, why do something basic? I really want to get into a Thunder Mustang, but don't think I can afford the 100k supercharged V8 that goes in it just yet.