Bede Planes to Return, This Time with Turbocharging and Infrared

By Gene Yarbrough

BEDE Aircraft, renowned for their innovative light aircraft designs, has recently announced a strategic partnership with SureWings, a leading aviation technology firm.

This collaboration aims to integrate SureWings' cutting-edge avionics and safety systems into BEDE's aircraft lineup, enhancing performance, reliability, and safety. Bede Aviation was specifically formed by Gratia Aero Group to make use of a license from Bede Aero to continue manufacturing, selling, and supporting the BD-4C airframe. By combining BEDE's expertise in aircraft design with SureWings' advanced technology solutions, the partnership is set to deliver state-of-the-art flying experiences for both recreational and professional pilots. Additionally, the synergy between the two companies is expected to accelerate the development of new models and features, ultimately pushing the boundaries of modern aviation.

 BD-4C-S SureWings Edition Complete Aircraft Kit consisting of a comprehensive set of integrated equipment for the best possible flying experience and at an industry disruptive price point.

Surewings said their goal was to create the "ideal four place kit aircraft offering safety, performance, and affordability. Where we could advance safety, we did, where we could increase performance without compromising safety, we did. Lastly, where we could achieve efficiencies to lower costs without compromising safety or performance, we did."

The result, they say, is a "safe, capable, and affordable aircraft that is easy to operate and a joy to own." The firm studied accident details and determined that the primary causes of general aviation accidents are stall/spin events usually related to a lack of situational awareness, VFR flight into IMC typically followed by disorientation, fuel starvation often caused by a lack of proficiency, and mechanical failure, in that order. An effective remedy to help prevent fatalities, they reason, is to help decrease pilot workload.

While no equipment can ever be a substitute for a properly qualified pilot, purpose-built equipment can provide enhanced visibility, critical information, emergency options, and ultimately reduce cockpit workload in order to minimize pilot fatigue and reduce distractions. This allows the pilot to spend more time flying the aircraft and less time managing the individual systems.

Standard equipment includes a 200-hp Viking Engine, turbocharged and FADEC equipped, with Variable In-Flight Propeller Actuation and Single Lever Thrust Control, a 5-blade DUC adjustable prop with auto governor, EIS, AmSafe airbag harnesses, an aircraft recovery chute, and GRT Avionics dual horizon EFIS panels. More interestingly, the BD-4 can be equipped with an Astronics Max-Viz-X1 Infrared Camera to tie into the Optix avionics, allowing infrared sight through the panel, pretty slick stuff.

Surewings will offer builder assistance at one, or more, builder centers. Negotiations are ongoing with interested parties to develop these centers at strategic locations across the US, but the initial facility will reside in San Pedro, California. Plans are in the works to introduce an East Coast assist center in Florida next year.

FMI: www.surewings.com