Revmaster Aviation

I was just reminded of a project Revmaster Aviation undertook a bunch of years ago (2005?) and I remembered that I had some photos siting around going to waste, so I thought I'd post them for y'all to see.

It's a canard pusher (sorta VariViggen-like, sorta VairEze-like) that was developed for their VW line of engines, designed to fit in the (then upcoming) LSA category. They had hopes of producing it as a factory-built SLSA.

For a point of reference, the VariEze was developed for use with the VW engine, and the prototype flew to OSH powered by a VW.

The economy crash of 2008 stopped the project and forced the sale the prototype.

Spy photo - The Thatcher CX7, fresh out of the paint booth. Ground testing should begin in the next few days, with first flight right just around the corner.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the Thatcher line of aircraft, David Thatcher (am Embry Riddle graduate and A&P mechanic for over 50 years) began designing and building the single-seat Thatcher CX4 20 years ago, while he was in his 70s. He's since gone on to design and build every inch of two more aircraft, the most recent is the CX7 pictured.

The CX-4 is a low-wing, single-seat, all-aluminum, plans-built, 1700cc VW 55 HP powered sport plane. Gear options are available for both conventional and tricycle, and the prototype first flew in 2004.

The name of the plane, CX4, is taken from an old radio show featuring Hop Harrigan, whose plane was called CX4.

The CX5 is a two-place tandem-seat version of this same aircraft, sharing very little in common except aesthetics, construction techniques, and the fact that it also uses a VW engine - the 85 HP Revmaster R-2300. The prototype first flew in 2013.

The latest creation from Mr. Thatcher is the CX7. It too is a two-seat aircraft but the seating is side-by-side. It shares the wing with the CX5, but becasue the fuselage is wider, so is the total span. And it uses the same Revmaster R-2300 engine.

It also shares the same beauty with the CX4 and CX5 - a testament to Mr. Thatcher's artistic abilities.

All three aircraft fit into the LSA category, allowing for those exercising Sport Pilot privileges to legally fly these planes. As a plus, these planes have been designed to accommodate REAL human beings, with head and leg room for a 6'-4" pilot, as well as those with extra girth and mass.