Wed, Jul 01, 2009
Composite Airplane Straddles The Line Between LSA and
Ultralight
Wichita, Kansas-based
Belite Aircraft unveiled its prototype airplane Tuesday in a unique
venue-Wichita's Old Town Warren Plaza-with Kansas' Fourth District
Congressman Todd Tiahrt among the attendees for the airplane's
debut. The Belite, which will incorporate stronger, lighter
carbon fiber components that easily meet Federal Aviation
Regulation (FAR) Part 103 weight requirements, provides the
handling and excitement of an airplane and the economy and fun of
an ultralight. Offered in both kit form and as a completed, flyable
airplane, the Belite will be built in Wichita.
"It's great to see a Wichita entrepreneur 'stay at home' with
this new business venture," Congressman Tiahrt said in remarks at
the airplane's unveiling. "And it's appropriate that this
airplane will be built in the city that has produced more aircraft
than anyplace else in the world. I congratulate the Wiebes on
this new venture," he added.
James Wiebe, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Belite
Aircraft, provided details on modifications he had made to lighten
and modernize the Belite aircraft. "The Belite design incorporates
a new carbon fiber wing and lift struts. In addition, we've
used carbon fiber in the cabin and firewall," he noted. "As a
result, our aircraft is FAR103 legal while offering a real
instrument panel with real avionics, as well as a great
engine."
The Wiebes, who previously developed and marketed digital forensic
computer storage devices as the founders of Wichita-based
enterprise, WiebeTech LLC, acquired the tooling, existing parts and
manufacturing rights of an older aircraft in March of 2009 and
immediately began a complete review of the structure and
composition. An instrument-rated pilot, James Wiebe applied his
creativity and experience to this new venture, developing a
proprietary lightweight carbon fiber structure that has been
utilized to strengthen and lighten spars, ribs and struts,
replacing traditional steel, wood or aluminum in order to reduce
the airplane's empty weight to previously unattainable levels.
Photo Courtesy BeLite
Aircraft
Wiebe indicated that he plans to take the Belite airplane to the
upcoming Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture 2009 in
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he has reserved exhibit spaces 612 and
615 in the North Display area. Additional announcements
regarding availability and pricing are expected at that time.
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