Cowboy
Newbie
I'm dreaming...but while I am what's the pros or cons of a Sportcopter II
Spotcopter II
- Thread starter Cowboy
- Start date
ms80831
PRA member since 1973
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The cons are:
They are NOT available.
Ask them, How many are flying to date, and who owns them.
They are NOT available.
Ask them, How many are flying to date, and who owns them.
Cowboy
Newbie
ms80831
PRA member since 1973
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- 1,546
- Location
- Colorado Springs CO.
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- Cessna 210 +, Xenon RST, Citabria
- Total Flight Time
- 2000+
The prototype is flying, and there may be one more.
A great machine. I would ju$t have to Gue$$ .
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm94/ms80831/DSC00484_op_800x600zz.jpg
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bmoore2156
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I have flown the Prototype. If there is a con it would be that they are still developing it and getting EVERYTHING just right before they mass produce a product with a flaw.
This means that when you get the final product, you should have little to no problems.
I am sure Jon will chime in and tell the whole story, this is just what I have seen from the sidelines.
When I flew the Prototype it was the first time I took the cyclic in a gyrocopter. It was like playing a video game, only way easier.
I would have one if I had the $$$...
Brad
This means that when you get the final product, you should have little to no problems.
I am sure Jon will chime in and tell the whole story, this is just what I have seen from the sidelines.
When I flew the Prototype it was the first time I took the cyclic in a gyrocopter. It was like playing a video game, only way easier.
I would have one if I had the $$$...
Brad
Master Roda
The Jedi
We've gone through several revisions since the SCII was introduced.
Changed the tail: We changed from a cruciform to a triple tail/rudder system. We tested it as MORE stable. The cruciform does not work at high speed on this gyro.
Changed controls: Among rerouting rudder cables, we changed the horn design.
Changed the engine: We settled on a Lycon IO-360 making 225HP
Added side steps. Went to UV blocking plastic. Lightened alot of the components.Built 9" cord blades to accomodate the machine.
Currently we are changing props. The factory would not support their product on this engine/configuration. MT is providing the new one.
It's been a long road, but the machine will be done right before it goes into mass production.
Changed the tail: We changed from a cruciform to a triple tail/rudder system. We tested it as MORE stable. The cruciform does not work at high speed on this gyro.
Changed controls: Among rerouting rudder cables, we changed the horn design.
Changed the engine: We settled on a Lycon IO-360 making 225HP
Added side steps. Went to UV blocking plastic. Lightened alot of the components.Built 9" cord blades to accomodate the machine.
Currently we are changing props. The factory would not support their product on this engine/configuration. MT is providing the new one.
It's been a long road, but the machine will be done right before it goes into mass production.
What kid of "mass production" are we talking about?
First could you just roughly approximate the price range we are in?
A machine with the IO-360 will probably cost a fortune.
A two seater will be acceptable on the market
only at a bargain price.
PW_Plack
Active Member
How do you reach this conclusion? The best-selling European machines would cost $80,000 or more here.
BEN S
Super Member
Pt
Pt
It is obvious from your past posts that you are a tremendous supporter of the Xenon aircraft, have you ever seen an SCII? I have been up close and personal with both machines and even got to pilot the SCII. Comparing them is like comparing a Pilatus or TBM to a older Cessna 172.
The SCII is aimed at a completely different market, and it isn't for the "hobbiest" gyro pilots, but rather the corporate bigwigs who might be contemplating a new helicopter in the millions of dollars range.
One look (and whiff) of the supple Italian leather interior on the SCII is all you need to realize these machines are not in the same league.
Another thing to consider is that "over here" Made in America still carries weight, and its great to see a small business pushing the envelope of gyro sales, I hope they make 10,000 of them!
Ben S
Pt
It is obvious from your past posts that you are a tremendous supporter of the Xenon aircraft, have you ever seen an SCII? I have been up close and personal with both machines and even got to pilot the SCII. Comparing them is like comparing a Pilatus or TBM to a older Cessna 172.
The SCII is aimed at a completely different market, and it isn't for the "hobbiest" gyro pilots, but rather the corporate bigwigs who might be contemplating a new helicopter in the millions of dollars range.
One look (and whiff) of the supple Italian leather interior on the SCII is all you need to realize these machines are not in the same league.
Another thing to consider is that "over here" Made in America still carries weight, and its great to see a small business pushing the envelope of gyro sales, I hope they make 10,000 of them!
Ben S
GyroDoug
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I believe they will run in the $100,000 to $125,000 range plus any fancy avionics or extras that many are already planning for them.
PW_Plack
Active Member
Tom,
If Celier can produce the Xenon in a form that qualifies as 51% amateur built, which is the announced plan for the US, and Magni's already doing it, what makes you think nobody else can?
RotorTom
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Never said "no one else can" ... but I thought (perhaps inaccurately) that they were talking about the availability of the completed aircraft. Not sure why I got that impression ...
Scary Gary
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As a full figure guy or " fat a$$ " if you will , I have sat in the SCII and I am shocked at the roominess of the cockpit . And I have a picture of my boy when he was 9 hanging out the door of the prototype while shouldering a scoped sniper rifle and sporting a kevlar helmet , so they are fun for kids too .
willisbr
Active Member
Have you considered dreaming of a Xenon for now? Seems more realistic until SC nears any conclusions. Or an RAF? The Xenons and SC are nice but heavy. Expensive too.
Dmorris
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Not sure what your definition of heavy is but I think most people would be surprised to know Xenon's weigh well under 700 pounds.
Dmorris
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Just out of curiosity I looked at Sportcopter's web site and the empty weight of a SCII is 1000 pounds. Seeing it again reminded me of what a great looking gyro the SCII is. I saw it at Oshkosh a couple years ago and was very impressed with the fit and finish.
Master Roda
The Jedi
David,
Thanks! Have you seen the new one? We had to re-cowl it to accomodate the Ly-Con. I think it gives it a little longer/sleaker look.
The SCII is a little heavy, but there is a reason, and power to haul it
If I were looking for comfort and power in a car, I would consider a Mercedes or Cadillac.
If I were looking for comfort and power in a gyro, I would definitly buy the SCII. Nothing compares. Lots of power. Lots of room. Great visibility. Very little stick shake. Long range. Adjustable seating.
If I was short on cash, I would buy a Hyundai.
Jon
PS Yes, I'm biased
Thanks! Have you seen the new one? We had to re-cowl it to accomodate the Ly-Con. I think it gives it a little longer/sleaker look.
The SCII is a little heavy, but there is a reason, and power to haul it
If I were looking for comfort and power in a car, I would consider a Mercedes or Cadillac.
If I were looking for comfort and power in a gyro, I would definitly buy the SCII. Nothing compares. Lots of power. Lots of room. Great visibility. Very little stick shake. Long range. Adjustable seating.
If I was short on cash, I would buy a Hyundai.
Jon
PS Yes, I'm biased
ms80831
PRA member since 1973
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- 1,546
- Location
- Colorado Springs CO.
- Aircraft
- Cessna 210 +, Xenon RST, Citabria
- Total Flight Time
- 2000+
(PHOTO: SportCopter designer Jim Vanek and Me at Oshkosh 2007)
I am VERY familiar with the 5 plus year process to bring the SportCopter 2 to market.
When you have one ready to deliver, show me that 2 people (same payload) can fly it around Pikes Peak where Todd and I flew the Xenon, and I will write you a check and take delivery that day. Until then, best of luck. Keep moving forward.
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ms80831
PRA member since 1973
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2008
- Messages
- 1,546
- Location
- Colorado Springs CO.
- Aircraft
- Cessna 210 +, Xenon RST, Citabria
- Total Flight Time
- 2000+
Wilbur
HEAVY???
My Xenon LIGHT sport Gyro weights 605 lbs. empty, and carries 550 lbs payload at 10,000 feet.
It is a lot of things, but HEAVY is not one of them.
Mark
