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-   -   Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=181595)

N941WR 04-20-2020 08:21 AM

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
 
Watching the discussion on the RV-4A really brought this saying to the forefront.

Every time I look at a Skyhawk I wonder if we would think it was a good looking plane, if it wasn't so common. (Ok, "good looking" might be the wrong term for the 172 but it isn't ugly.)

The RV lineage is good looking, just not gorgeous, with one exception, in my eye. This is saying a lot when you consider they are mostly straight lines. Other airplanes of similar design and construction material don't pull it off, say the Zenair 601/650 for example.



The side-by-side RV's all look good as either a tail dragger or with a nosewheel.

However, add a nosewheel to an RV-8 and all I can think of is (sorry folks):


In my humble opinion, the best looking homebuilt ever designed (I'm not talking about performance, just looks.) is:


Out of curiosity, what do you consider the best and worst looking homebuilts? (There are plenty of ugly and gorgeous production planes but for this exercise, let's leave those out.)

rv8ch 04-20-2020 08:34 AM

Blackshape is pretty nice
 
I have to say I like this one:

http://blackshapeaircraft.com/en/prime/



Looks like a mini Turbine Legend.

gmcjetpilot 04-20-2020 09:24 AM



Piper Tri-Pacer is a nice flying plane (looks acquired taste).... and that nose wheel is built like a steel bridge, it never will fold up.

MED 04-20-2020 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv8ch (Post 1423812)
I have to say I like this one:

http://blackshapeaircraft.com/en/prime/



Looks like a mini Turbine Legend.

Pretty, but the specs say ?Day VFR, no aerobatics.? Looks like Van?s wins again! :cool:

rv8ch 04-20-2020 10:16 AM

Looks
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by MED (Post 1423838)
Pretty, but the specs say “Day VFR, no aerobatics.” Looks like Van’s wins again! :cool:

True, but I thought it was only about looks! If it's looks and utility and cost, well, the RV-8 is the clear winner! :D


WingsOnWheels 04-20-2020 10:38 AM

Turbine Legend:


Velocity:

RV7A Flyer 04-20-2020 12:12 PM


Low Pass 04-20-2020 12:18 PM

Even though a nose dragger, it's a 10.



Regarding the Tri-Pacer, it's pretty awkward looking. But its cousin the Pacer is a fine looking airplane.

RV7A Flyer 04-20-2020 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N941WR (Post 1423809)

Out of curiosity, what do you consider the best and worst looking homebuilts? (There are plenty of ugly and gorgeous production planes but for this exercise, let's leave those out.)

There are myriad ugly homebuilts out there, but far be it from me to criticize *anyone* who has completed their own airplane.

(But remember the old adage...if it's weird, it's French; if it's ugly, it's British; and if it's weird AND ugly, it's Russian :) ).

Mel 04-20-2020 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Pass (Post 1423873)
Even though a nose dragger, it's a 10.

Nose dragger doesn't count negatively if you can "hide" it!


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