First developed in 1968, the BD-4 kit aircraft took a different approach to the amateur built aircraft market. Storied designer Jim Bede developed a four place high-wing plane with a slab-sided fuselage bonded over a bolt-together aluminum framework. The wings used ribs bonded to a cylindrical main spar and aluminum skins bonded to the ribs. Rivets were only used on the trailing edge spar. The BD-4’s easy construction and roomy cockpit space let to some success.
The Bede Aircraft company, now run by Jim Bede’s son, has maintained a presence at Airventure over the years, still selling the BD-4 kits (now designated the BD-4C). The Bede family, which runs a successful construction business, decided to sell the BD-4C design. A BD-4C builder and fan, Attila Gahbro has stepped in to not only buy the kit business, but to also develop major enhancements. At a press conference held during AirVenture, Gahbro outlined his plans for the legacy design. Under his company, SureWings, he has set out to re-engine the plane with a Viking 195 power plant including FADEC type controls and a Duc propeller. The 4C will also have electric air conditioning and airbags for front seat passengers (belted airbags for rear seat passengers are under consideration). A full electronic panel will include a Heads Up Display and infrared forward camera.
SureWings will sell the BD-4C kit to be built to these new specifications and Gahbro states that the only decision the buyer will make is the choice of color. Builder assist centers are contemplated for California and Florida. The new and enhanced BD-4C will be listed at $247,000, complete with engine, specified avionics and interior.
RIP BD-4 we will miss you.
Why the negativity?
The BD4 has been around for over 40 yrs because it offered performance and simplicity at a reasonable cost but also easy to build. Changing to an unproven engine with limited parts availability and not well know will make problems away from home a grounding issue. The extras now standard drive up weight, costs, and diminish the builder group thus support. Andrew has it right – unfortunately.
It isn’t going anywhere. What the article here missed is that the original kit and plans will still be available, for those who want to source the engine and avionics themselves.
Thr new company is simply putting together the ultra-complete kit, with a BRS chute, air-conditioning, all the avionics and engine with a complete firewall-forward package. That’s what they’ll (try to) sell for a quarter million.
The old kit will still be around $44k.
Wow, I’m out of touch admittedly, but that’s a pretty steep price for a BD-4C! Wish the best as I’ve always loved the -4. Must all be in engine, avionics, interior…
And I thought that after the BD-5 fiasco, BD aircraft was dead and buried. I lost $400 dealing with that company.
A lot of money for a plane with a junk yard Honda engine.
Viking??
DOA.