First Airframe Is In Primary Assembly

WACO Classic Aircraft is making progress on the first Great Lakes biplane airframe, as well as the first airplane ordered by a customer. The company says the project is moving into high gear with nearly all vendors online, all of the engineering updates approved, and drawing updates mostly complete. Approximately 90% of all component parts for the first several aircraft are in stock, with the balance on order or in design review.

The WACO Great Lakes team consists of 10 members, with project manager Rich Hunter taking the lead in coordinating assembly of the first conforming aircraft. Team leaders for each assembly stage have been determined and they are actively working on aircraft in their areas of responsibility.

Some recent specification changes include finalization of the brake design and selection of Grove Wheels and Brakes as vendor, and changes to Transponder and Radio vendor. This was done primarily for weight and performance improvements. The company has added to and refined the optional equipment list, and new options include a composite prop from MT and an electronic Attitude Indicator.

The first airframe (sn. 1200) is in primary assembly; at this stage many of the internal systems are installed, bulk heads and other internal components. Engine attachment to the first airframe was done recently, along with landing gear installation. The wings have started assembly, and welding has begun on the first customer airframe (sn. 1201) and component parts for sn. 1202.

The standard airplane will be powered by a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360-B1G6 4-cylinder horizontally opposed air-cooled piston engine turning a Hartzell Aerobatic Constant Speed HC-C2YR-4CF/FC7666A-2 prop. It will have inverted fuel and oil systems. Max cruise speed is projected to be 105 knots, with a stall speed of 50 knots. The airplane will climb at 1,400 feet per minute, has a service ceiling of 17,000 feet, and a projected range of 260 nm.

In the cockpit, WACO plans to install a Garmin AERA 500 WAAS GPS moving map in a panel dock. Out the door with standard equipment, the price has been set at $245,250.

(Images provided by Waco Classic Aircraft)

FMI: www.wacoclassic.com