New Companion Model Details

[Mark Goldberg]

Seems like a good idea to post here some of the information about the new Companion model. This will be up on our website in a day or two. Mark

[rodsmith]

If I was starting a Bearhawk today that might well be the model I selected. I say that because it will be rare that I use the rear seats. I love the centerline seating of the Patrol but it would be hard to get my wife to travel with me. The 200# gross increase over the Patrol and large baggage area make it very attractive.

[quadra]

What is the stall speed Mark? it looks like this could be built to Canadian AULA (Advanced Ultra Light Aircraft ) conformity if the stall speed is 39Kts (45mph ) at max take off weight.

[Mark Goldberg]

Our LSA does meet the AULA category. Mike Silvernagle is building one right now for that category. The 2200 lb gross weight will not work for the AULA. Max gross is 1232 lbs. As I understand it. Mark

[quadra]

haha, oops! forgot about that. thanks Mark.

[Frank]

Is a Companion prototype to be built and tested before kits/plans are offered?

[Mark Goldberg]

We have offered the kits for sale because we feel confident that the Companion's flying qualities are not exactly an unknown. The Patrol wing/airfoil has been flying on the Patrol and the Model B 4-place. Our intention is to do some flight testing on the first one finished up whoever/where ever that might be. But because the Companion derived from the Patrol & 4-place, Bob is comfortable that it will fly well. Perhaps some minor tweaking might be required as far as CG specs and the angle of incidence of the hor stabs. But all very manageable and not breaking too much new ground.

But certainly a fair question to ask. Mark

[Battson]

I see Bob has increased the up elevator to 35 degrees. Is the tail-plane the same as the 4 place?

[Mark Goldberg]

Yes. Bob had us increase the elevator up to more than 30 degrees on all the models. Mark

[rodsmith]

So that includes the "A" model as well?

[Cavscout96]

I was considering a patrol with a corvair powerplant when I saw the news release on the Companion. Is it feasible to install the 120hp variant in the Companion or are you limited to 150+ hp?

[Mark Goldberg]

I think 120 HP would not be enough for you to get the performance expected from the Companion. 150 - 210 HP is what Bob recommends. It would fly with 120 HP, but take off and climb would not be what is expected from Bob's designs. The LSA is a candidate for the Corvair engine. But not the bigger planes with higher gross weight. Mark

[WyoDave]

Maybe I missed it somewhere. What is the cockpit width at the shoulders?

[Cavscout96]

Thanks Mark

[Mark Goldberg]

Same as 4 place. About 43". MG