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