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  #11  
Old 12-27-2011, 09:11 PM
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Flyfalcons Flyfalcons is offline
 
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That is way too cool.
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  #12  
Old 12-27-2011, 09:59 PM
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Default Van's was a gracious host

Ken and Van were very gracious in allowing us the use of their facility and huge assortment of lead shot bags for the static test. Bob Kuykendall, frequent poster here on VAF, is the developer of the HP-24. I helped with the aero design. The prototype, now static-tested, is ready to fly.

But nope, its not a Van's project. Hopefully soon those of you that are interested will be able to place orders with Bob.
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  #13  
Old 12-27-2011, 11:14 PM
Danny7 Danny7 is offline
 
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just a fyi since Bob K hasn't spoken up yet, I believe Brad Hill is Bob's partner/ owner of the demo aircraft. That is the only reason it isn't in Bob's name.
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  #14  
Old 12-28-2011, 05:43 AM
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RV11 with out on board power??
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  #15  
Old 12-28-2011, 07:26 AM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
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Default Nope

IIRC, Van was/is designing his sailplane to be self-launching.

Best,
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  #16  
Old 12-28-2011, 08:43 AM
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Bob Kuykendall Bob Kuykendall is offline
 
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Thanks to everyone for their kind words and encouragement!

Sorry I haven't posted to this thread earlier. I am running one of my Akafliegs this week, and I have a crew up a the shop making carbon fiber fuselage shells. It's pretty consuming work, and I haven't had much time left over for browsing VAF.

As Steve says, Van and Ken graciously let us use their hangar, and most importantly, their lead weight for the static test on the first set of wings. That saved us from either having to buy our own lead (it's pretty pricey!) or from using something more awkward like sand or cement or shingles. The lead shot bags are nice and compact for their mass, and they tend to stay in place even out at the tips where the local dihedral angle approaches 20 degrees during the test.

I've been following the RV-11 project since the beginning, and even had a look at it in 1997. The RV-11 in its current form uses wings from the HP-18 sailplane designed by Dick Schreder, and for which I sell plans and spare parts. But so far Van's only involvement in the HP-24 project has been encouragement, occasional bits of advice and insight into the kit aircraft market, and the use of his facility for the static test.

Anyhow, as Steve says, we hope to open up for kit orders not long after we get some performance and handling data back from Brad Hill's ship. The kit will be along the lines of a quickbuild, with the right and left fuselage shells bonded together. The upper and lower wing skins will come joined at the leading edge and the main spar, but with the upper aft wing skin omitted to allow access for installing the controls.

Thanks, and best regards to all (and a happy new year!)

Bob K.
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  #17  
Old 12-28-2011, 08:57 PM
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Nice, and it's even a tip-up! :P
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  #18  
Old 01-30-2012, 10:19 AM
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Bob Kuykendall Bob Kuykendall is offline
 
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Default First Flight!

Sorry to resurrect this thread, bit it seemed the best place to post this update:

The first aircraft out of the HP-24 tools and development project first flew on 27 January 2012 at Arlington, Washington. Subsequent flights by two other pilots showed that the aircraft has good stability and control, and everybody is raving about the handling.



Thanks, Bob K.
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  #19  
Old 01-30-2012, 10:54 AM
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very cool Bob! Congrats for a tremendous undertaking.

Any plans for a self-launch?
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  #20  
Old 01-30-2012, 11:05 AM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
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Default Sweet

What a beautiful airplane!

A big congratulations, Bob.

Best,
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RV-10, 510 TT
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Air Tractor AT 502B PT 6-15 Sold
Air Tractor 402 PT-6-20 Sold
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Louisville, Ga

It's never skill or craftsmanship that completes airplanes, it's the will to do so,
Patrick Kenny, EAA 275132


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