Tue, Dec 11, 2012
Kyle Franklin Returns To The Circuit With 'Monster Biplane'
Its been a tough few years for Kyle Franklin... but in the true spirit of a survivor, Kyle is unveiling his next big act for North American airshow audiences in 2013.
Kyle is returning to the airshow circuit with a truly monstrous bipe he calls... 'Dracula.' Evolving over a nine-year design and construction period, Dracula was completed in secrecy... 'The tapering fuselage, speed ring cowling, and sloped windshield hearken back to the racing airplanes of the 1930’s. The airbrushed blood in the paint comes straight from the opening scene of a horror movie. The modern prop, nearly full span ailerons, and attention to detail on the weight are 21st century technology. The Franklin Demon 1 biplane, known as “Dracula”, bursts onto the air show scene at the ICAS convention in Las Vegas this week.
Franklin has completed and tested this radical one of a kind biplane, which generated unprecedented interest among air show fans, promoters, and sponsors six months before anyone had even seen a picture of it. Originally conceived by Kyle’s late father Jimmy, Dracula combines the crowd pleasing lines of the iconic Waco Mystery Ship with modern aerodynamics and systems, resulting in a smaller, lighter, significantly more maneuverable and powerful airplane. In comments associated with this debut, Franklin notes that, “I’m extremely pleased with the features in Drac’s design. The nearly full span ailerons give Drac a roll rate over 300 degrees per second and the two-color smoke system was custom made for the vampire theme of this act. The MT prop gives me maximum performance and a nearly 100 pound weight savings. Drac was designed from the beginning to be trailered to every air show – the trailering feature gives me maximum reliability, I don’t have to worry about
weather when I’m traveling to an air show. I’ve also renewed my commitment to air show safety in this airplane with the Amanda Switch. In a severe impact, it automatically shuts off the supply of fuel and smoke oil to the engine.” Dracula was also built with an emphasis on weight. The fuel system holds just 26 gallons, enough for a blood chilling performance and a safe reserve.
Franklin also hastens to explain that this is not a 'solo' act... but the work of many. “Drac’s success is because of our fans, friends, and sponsors; I’ve always said that I have the most generous sponsors and the most supportive fans in the industry – this airplane would not have been possible without them.” Franklin thanked all of his sponsors and friends for their support.
The debut performance of Dracula will take place at the New Smyrna Beach Balloon and Sky Fest April 5-7, 2013.
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