Scalewings Aircraft (based in Germany) has ben busy since we got a chance to fly their first production kit aircraft last fall, and they brought their latest aircraft, serial number “007,” to AirVenture to show it off. The evolution of the design is evident—the same basic airframe, with lots of little enhancements that are targeted to improve the overall experience of flying this beautiful 70% scale Mustang replica. The aircraft is powered by Rotax, so it is not a fire breathing race plane, but as we discovered when we flew it last, it is a clearly in the RV-4 class of airplanes in terms of handling and performance—and that is a pretty elite class!
Improvements include a complete cockpit make-over, sorting out and organizing switches and instrumentation, using a G3X Touch EFIS, and upgrading cockpit accoutrements as well as improving the canopy mechanism. They have also added little luxuries, like a taxi camera in the signature Mustang belly scoop that allows you to see straight ahead and note where your main gear are rolling. They have also added lights in the gun ports for taxiing, landing, and simulating gun flashes when you simply must bounce your friend in the traffic pattern.
The plane was shipped to the U.S. in time for the show, and will be traveling the country to show it off in the next several months before being finally delivered to its new owner. Currently licensed overseas, the company is working on the details of the kit to make it fit into the 51% rule for U.S. E/AB licensing.
Photos: Louise Hose.
