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Edgley EA-7 Optica observation aircraft.
https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net/edgley_optica.jpg
6:01 video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A29M-zANIs
Previously:
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...269#post142019
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...369#post142443
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...1532#post74610
I would have to fly one to be able to critique its functionality over a more conventional aircraft. I'm not at all sure the cowling of the fan really offers any improvement in performance .
About the only advantage I can see would a better observation much like a small bubble canopy helicopter might offer.
My local Police force had one, it crashed killing the pilot and observer/photographer, https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/1-19...ty-15-may-1985.
I had an opportunity to fly a long easy kit plane once but told the guy that I wouldn't even be comfortable riding in it let alone flying it. I'm not that much into flying in an air craft with its engine/s in the wrong placeQuote:
Originally Posted by NeiljohnUK
That's one hell of an interesting design. Lot of wing, cowled prop. And almost like a reverse ruddervator. Probably good for low-speed flight. Which, in a turn, can invite disaster. Stall the inside wing, and you'll drop like a rock.