UnOfficial Velocity History - Revision history

Admin at 18:33, 23 June 2015

2015-06-23T18:33:06Z

Admin at 18:17, 23 June 2015

2015-06-23T18:17:21Z

Rlorenz: Added note on canard design

2012-08-07T02:16:41Z

Added note on canard design

Bferrell at 16:34, 20 July 2012

2012-07-20T16:34:13Z

Bferrell at 16:30, 20 July 2012

2012-07-20T16:30:28Z

Bferrell at 16:29, 20 July 2012

2012-07-20T16:29:59Z

Bferrell at 16:29, 20 July 2012

2012-07-20T16:29:42Z

Bferrell at 16:26, 20 July 2012

2012-07-20T16:26:52Z

Bferrell at 16:25, 20 July 2012

2012-07-20T16:25:50Z

Bferrell at 12:21, 4 July 2012

2012-07-04T12:21:40Z

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:33, 23 June 2015
Line 34:		Line 34:
	[[Image:82va4.jpg\|thumb\|left\|150px\|N82VA Elite prototype and Duane]]		[[Image:82va4.jpg\|thumb\|left\|150px\|N82VA Elite prototype and Duane]]

−	In 1995, Velocity debuts the new "Elite" gull-wing door option, with a center keel instead of a seat-back bulkhead.  This model takes the kit world by storm as a major improvement, and is featured in print ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=130 10], [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=144 11], [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=73 Velocity Views Quarter 3, 1995]).  The same year Mark and Nancy Machado open Composite ~~Area~~ ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=145 9]) to sell kits and service Velocity builders in the Mountain and Pacific time zones.  This business becomes Velocity West shortly thereafter, at [http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLHM Lincoln Memorial Airport] near Sacramento in 1995.  Also in 1995, [http://lavoiegraphics.com/ Ric Lavoie] (builder of [[Parsons N570\|N570]]) begins publishing a high-quality newsletter for Velocity builder's, owners, and want-to-bes.<br/><br/>	+	In 1995, Velocity debuts the new "Elite" gull-wing door option, with a center keel instead of a seat-back bulkhead.  This model takes the kit world by storm as a major improvement, and is featured in print ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=130 10], [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=144 11], [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=73 Velocity Views Quarter 3, 1995]).  The same year Mark and Nancy Machado open Composite Areo ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=145 9]) to sell kits and service Velocity builders in the Mountain and Pacific time zones.  This business becomes Velocity West shortly thereafter, at [http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLHM Lincoln Memorial Airport] near Sacramento in 1995.  Also in 1995, [http://lavoiegraphics.com/ Ric Lavoie] (builder of [[Parsons N570\|N570]]) begins publishing a high-quality newsletter for Velocity builder's, owners, and want-to-bes.<br/><br/>

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 [[Image:401dm 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|N401DM feature short rudders and retractable nose gear]]
-Danny founded Velocity in 1984 in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], Florida with himself as President.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pete Hoffman was the Vice President, and [[Hunter N141NH|Neil Hunter]] was in charge of Public Relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was built in 7 months, and first flew in the summer of 1985.&nbsp;&nbsp;It weighed 1,100 pounds empty, with a gross weight of 2,550 pounds and a Lycoming 180 HP engine and composite prop (built by Danny).&nbsp;&nbsp;Cruise was claimed as 220 MPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flight testing of the [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was completed in mid-October 1985, and thus did not attend Oshkosh [http://www.airventure.org/ Airventure], but was debuted at [http://sun-n-fun.org/content/ Sun-n-Fun] in 1986.&nbsp;&nbsp;That first airplane, with a serial number of DMO40, was registered as [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]].&nbsp;&nbsp;This airplane was flown by Billy Henederson of [http://www.eaa.org/sportaviation/ Sport Aviation], who noted 1500-200 fpm climb rates and a top end of 184 kts.&nbsp;&nbsp;This first aircraft also featured a retractable nose gear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Note that the original aircraft did not have full-length rudders.<br/><br/>
+Danny founded Velocity in 1984 in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], Florida with himself as President.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pete Hoffman was the Vice President, and [[Hunter N141NH|Neil Hunter]] was in charge of Public Relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was built in 7 months, and first flew in the summer of 1985.&nbsp;&nbsp;It weighed 1,100 pounds empty, with a gross weight of 2,550 pounds and a Lycoming 180 HP engine and composite prop (built by Danny).&nbsp;&nbsp;Cruise was claimed as 220 MPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flight testing of the [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was completed in mid-October 1985, and thus did not attend Oshkosh [http://www.airventure.org/ Airventure], but was debuted at [http://sun-n-fun.org/content/ Sun-n-Fun] in 1986.&nbsp;&nbsp;That first airplane, with a serial number of DMO40, was registered as [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]].&nbsp;&nbsp;This airplane was flown by Billy Henederson of [http://www.eaa.org/sportaviation/ Sport Aviation], who noted 1500-2,000 fpm climb rates and a top end of 184 kts.&nbsp;&nbsp;This first aircraft also featured a retractable nose gear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Note that the original aircraft did not have full-length rudders.<br/><br/>
-The serial numbers started with DMO-Dan Maher Original, number 40.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's believed that the number 40 was chosen to reassure buyers that they were getting a proven product!&nbsp;&nbsp;The aileron push-pull cables were [http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/MORSECONTROLS1.htm Morse marine] style, because he was familiar with their operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The brake [http://www.velocityxl.com/Master_Mount.JPG master cylinders] were from the Datsun/Nissan B210's clutch!&nbsp;&nbsp;Build time was estimated at 800-1000 hours with the kit in the $18,000 range.&nbsp;&nbsp;The kit featured 43 1/2" wide fuselage, though the prototype was only 42 1/4".&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly the height was 40" on the prototype, 41" on the kit, and length was 81".&nbsp;&nbsp;The main wing area on the prototype was 96.4 SQFT and the canard was 19.75 SQFT, for a total area of 116.15 SQFT, for a gross loading of 19.37 lbs/SQFT.&nbsp;&nbsp;These were increased slightly for the kits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The outer wing panels were modified Long-EZ airfoils with Roncz vortilons added. The strakes were Danny's design. The canard shape was modeled after the horizontal stabilizer from a German glider. It was designed to avoid the losing-lift-when-wet issues that other canard airfoils were having at the time. Danny is the registered builder of 4 Velocitys (DMO040, DMO100, DMO255, and 029; [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]], [[Stedman_N7044Q|N7044Q]], [[Feminella_N255DM|N255DM]], and [[Maher_N4253M|N4253M]] registration).&nbsp;&nbsp;(NOTE: The  advertised wing dimensions on production aircraft were a span of 28.63 FT, for a wing area of 125 SQFT, and wing loading of 19.6 lbs/SQFT).<br/><br/>
+The serial numbers started with DMO-Dan Maher Original, number 40.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's believed that the number 40 was chosen to reassure buyers that they were getting a proven product!&nbsp;&nbsp;The aileron push-pull cables were [http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/MORSECONTROLS1.htm Morse marine] style, because he was familiar with their operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The brake [http://www.velocityxl.com/Master_Mount.JPG master cylinders] were from the Datsun/Nissan B210's clutch!&nbsp;&nbsp;Build time was estimated at 800-1000 hours with the kit in the $18,000 range.&nbsp;&nbsp;The kit featured 43 1/2" wide fuselage, though the prototype was only 42 1/4".&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly the height was 40" on the prototype, 41" on the kit, and length was 81".&nbsp;&nbsp;The main wing area on the prototype was 96.4 SQFT and the canard was 19.75 SQFT, for a total area of 116.15 SQFT, for a gross loading of 19.37 lbs/SQFT.&nbsp;&nbsp;These were increased slightly for the kits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The outer wing panels were modified Long-EZ airfoils with Roncz vortilons added. The strakes were Danny's design. The canard shape was modeled after the horizontal stabilizer from a German glider. It was designed to avoid the losing-lift-when-wet issues that other canard airfoils were having at the time. Danny is the registered builder of 4 Velocitys (DMO040, DMO100, DMO255, and 029; [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]], [[Stedman_N7044Q|N7044Q]], [[Maher_N255DM|N255DM]], and [[Maher_N4253M|N4253M]] registration).&nbsp;&nbsp;(NOTE: The  advertised wing dimensions on production aircraft were a span of 28.63 FT, for a wing area of 125 SQFT, and wing loading of 19.6 lbs/SQFT).<br/><br/>
 [[Image:Cuffs.jpg|thumb|right|200px|N81VA with cuffs solves deep stall issue on original wing design]]

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 Danny founded Velocity in 1984 in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], Florida with himself as President.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pete Hoffman was the Vice President, and [[Hunter N141NH|Neil Hunter]] was in charge of Public Relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was built in 7 months, and first flew in the summer of 1985.&nbsp;&nbsp;It weighed 1,100 pounds empty, with a gross weight of 2,550 pounds and a Lycoming 180 HP engine and composite prop (built by Danny).&nbsp;&nbsp;Cruise was claimed as 220 MPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flight testing of the [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was completed in mid-October 1985, and thus did not attend Oshkosh [http://www.airventure.org/ Airventure], but was debuted at [http://sun-n-fun.org/content/ Sun-n-Fun] in 1986.&nbsp;&nbsp;That first airplane, with a serial number of DMO40, was registered as [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]].&nbsp;&nbsp;This airplane was flown by Billy Henederson of [http://www.eaa.org/sportaviation/ Sport Aviation], who noted 1500-200 fpm climb rates and a top end of 184 kts.&nbsp;&nbsp;This first aircraft also featured a retractable nose gear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Note that the original aircraft did not have full-length rudders.<br/><br/>
-The serial numbers started with DMO-Dan Maher Original, number 40.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's believed that the number 40 was chosen to reassure buyers that they were getting a proven product!&nbsp;&nbsp;The aileron push-pull cables were [http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/MORSECONTROLS1.htm Morse marine] style, because he was familiar with their operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The brake [http://www.velocityxl.com/Master_Mount.JPG master cylinders] were from the Datsun/Nissan B210's clutch!&nbsp;&nbsp;Build time was estimated at 800-1000 hours with the kit in the $18,000 range.&nbsp;&nbsp;The kit featured 43 1/2" wide fuselage, though the prototype was only 42 1/4".&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly the height was 40" on the prototype, 41" on the kit, and length was 81".&nbsp;&nbsp;The main wing area on the prototype was 96.4 SQFT and the canard was 19.75 SQFT, for a total area of 116.15 SQFT, for a gross loading of 19.37 lbs/SQFT.&nbsp;&nbsp;These were increased slightly for the kits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The outer wing panels were modified Long-EZ airfoils, but the strakes and canard were Danny's design, and Roncz vortilons were added to the main wings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Danny is the registered builder of 4 Velocitys (DMO040, DMO100, DMO255, and 029; [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]], [[Stedman_N7044Q|N7044Q]], [[Feminella_N255DM|N255DM]], and [[Maher_N4253M|N4253M]] registration).&nbsp;&nbsp;(NOTE: The  advertised wing dimensions on production aircraft were a span of 28.63 FT, for a wing area of 125 SQFT, and wing loading of 19.6 lbs/SQFT).<br/><br/>
+The serial numbers started with DMO-Dan Maher Original, number 40.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's believed that the number 40 was chosen to reassure buyers that they were getting a proven product!&nbsp;&nbsp;The aileron push-pull cables were [http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/MORSECONTROLS1.htm Morse marine] style, because he was familiar with their operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The brake [http://www.velocityxl.com/Master_Mount.JPG master cylinders] were from the Datsun/Nissan B210's clutch!&nbsp;&nbsp;Build time was estimated at 800-1000 hours with the kit in the $18,000 range.&nbsp;&nbsp;The kit featured 43 1/2" wide fuselage, though the prototype was only 42 1/4".&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly the height was 40" on the prototype, 41" on the kit, and length was 81".&nbsp;&nbsp;The main wing area on the prototype was 96.4 SQFT and the canard was 19.75 SQFT, for a total area of 116.15 SQFT, for a gross loading of 19.37 lbs/SQFT.&nbsp;&nbsp;These were increased slightly for the kits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The outer wing panels were modified Long-EZ airfoils with Roncz vortilons added. The strakes were Danny's design. The canard shape was modeled after the horizontal stabilizer from a German glider. It was designed to avoid the losing-lift-when-wet issues that other canard airfoils were having at the time. Danny is the registered builder of 4 Velocitys (DMO040, DMO100, DMO255, and 029; [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]], [[Stedman_N7044Q|N7044Q]], [[Feminella_N255DM|N255DM]], and [[Maher_N4253M|N4253M]] registration).&nbsp;&nbsp;(NOTE: The  advertised wing dimensions on production aircraft were a span of 28.63 FT, for a wing area of 125 SQFT, and wing loading of 19.6 lbs/SQFT).<br/><br/>
 [[Image:Cuffs.jpg|thumb|right|200px|N81VA with cuffs solves deep stall issue on original wing design]]

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 In 1986 Scott and Duane Swing of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayton,_Ohio Dayton, Ohio] bought their first [http://www.velocityaircraft.com/airplane-velocity-kit.html Velocity Kit].&nbsp;&nbsp;Later they decide to design and build a retractable gear system, and work closely with Danny during it's development.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1988 the design is completed and displayed at Osh Kosh [http://www.airventure.org/ Airventure], and several units are presold to Velocity builders, marketed under the name "Tri-Q Development".&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly, the demonstration airplane is [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=152 consumed by fire in their shop] prior to its first flight.&nbsp;&nbsp;Needing to support customers the Swings build a replacement in 7 months, completing it in August 1989 (N125V, DMO074), which became the first retract.&nbsp;&nbsp;This retract sales business then led to a "builder's assistance" program, which was based at the airport at [http://www.airnav.com/airport/3I7 Phillipsburg Ohio], which they bought.&nbsp;&nbsp;The facility would allow three planes to be worked on simultaneously, and seven aircraft were completed before closing the business.<br/><br/>
 With this business relationship as a foundation, when Danny decided to sell the business (after rolling out the redesigned [[deep stall|deep stall]] wing solutions), the Swings are on the short list.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Swings decide to ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7]) purchase the business just before Osh Kosh 1992 ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=148 6]), and move to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], and Danny stays on as a consultant during the transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;An interesting couple of side-notes, the Swings intended to offer a belly-mounted baggage pod and a Subaru engine conversion ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7])!<br/><br/>
 [[Image:Subaru2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Subaru Engine Conversion]]
 In 1993, the Subaru engine was featured in [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=146 Sport Aviation]([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=146 8]), as well as at Osh Kosh Airventure, but fell out of favor shortly thereafter, and apparently this disappoint lingered as Velocity has since seemed (to me) to be somewhat gun-shy of automotive conversion powerplants.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have never heard what happened to the baggage pod idea, but there is at least one Velocity sporting a [[Cacek N560TC|"Draggage" Pod]].&nbsp;&nbsp;Also in about 1993, Alan Shaw's [http://www.wingco.com/genesis_of_aircraft.htm Dynamic Wing Company] began marketing [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=73 fast-build wings].<br/><br/>
 [[Image:82va4.jpg|thumb|left|150px|N82VA Elite prototype and Duane]]
 In 1995, Velocity debuts the new "Elite" gull-wing door option, with a center keel instead of a seat-back bulkhead.&nbsp;&nbsp;This model takes the kit world by storm as a major improvement, and is featured in print ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=130 10], [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=144 11], [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=73 Velocity Views Quarter 3, 1995]).&nbsp;&nbsp;The same year Mark and Nancy Machado open Composite Area ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=145 9]) to sell kits and service Velocity builders in the Mountain and Pacific time zones.&nbsp;&nbsp;This business becomes Velocity West shortly thereafter, at [http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLHM Lincoln Memorial Airport] near Sacramento in 1995.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also in 1995, [http://lavoiegraphics.com/ Ric Lavoie] (builder of [[Parsons N570|N570]]) begins publishing a high-quality newsletter for Velocity builder's, owners, and want-to-bes.<br/><br/>
@@ Line 59: / Line 46: @@
 In March of 1997 Velocity debuted the XL ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=129 October 1997 Kitplanes "XL Debut" 13]), an "Extra Large", Velocity.&nbsp;&nbsp;The XL uses the same "Long Wing" as the older "173" model, but with a significantly enlarged cabin that allowed mounting the larger, six cylinder engines with larger strakes for fuel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The original design work for the XL was done by Jean Prudhomme, and once again received rave reviews in the press ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=142 14], [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=142 15]).&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1998 the fast build (fuselage and wings) was offered.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also in 1998, Scott Baker [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=86 is hired by the Machados as test pilot and CFI at Velocity West].<br/><br/>
 [[Image:N101va.jpg|thumb|left|200px|N101VA SUV Prototype]]
 [[Image:N101va cabin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|N101VA SUV Yokes]]
 At Osh Kosh [http://www.airventure.org/ Airventure] 1999 Velocity debuts the [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=125 SUV], the "Sport-Utility" Velocity to cash in on the SUV craze of the early '00s.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is billed as the entry-level ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=91 19]) Velocity, offering only one gull-wing door, a cut-down keel, and control yokes that could be ready to fly for under $50,000 US.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly this version never developed the traction that Velocity had hoped for, in fact many SUV purchasers later retrofitted the copilot side door, and the model was discontinued as a separate model towards the end of 2002 ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=102 20]), though the yoke option was still available.<br/><br/>
 [[Image:BOB1_nose.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Bob1 on her top]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:30, 20 July 2012
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−	With this business relationship as a foundation, when Danny decided to sell the business (after rolling out the redesigned [[~~Deep Stall~~\|~~Deep~~ stall]] wing solutions), the Swings are on the short list.  The Swings decide to ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7]) purchase the business just before Osh Kosh 1992 ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=148 6]), and move to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], and Danny stays on as a consultant during the transition.  An interesting couple of side-notes, the Swings intended to offer a belly-mounted baggage pod and a Subaru engine conversion ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7])!<br/><br/>	+	With this business relationship as a foundation, when Danny decided to sell the business (after rolling out the redesigned [[deep stall\|deep stall]] wing solutions), the Swings are on the short list.  The Swings decide to ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7]) purchase the business just before Osh Kosh 1992 ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=148 6]), and move to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], and Danny stays on as a consultant during the transition.  An interesting couple of side-notes, the Swings intended to offer a belly-mounted baggage pod and a Subaru engine conversion ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7])!<br/><br/>

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:29, 20 July 2012
Line 29:		Line 29:


−	With this business relationship as a foundation, when Danny decided to sell the business (after rolling out the redesigned [[Deep Stall\|Deep~~-Stall~~]] wing solutions), the Swings are on the short list.  The Swings decide to ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7]) purchase the business just before Osh Kosh 1992 ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=148 6]), and move to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], and Danny stays on as a consultant during the transition.  An interesting couple of side-notes, the Swings intended to offer a belly-mounted baggage pod and a Subaru engine conversion ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7])!<br/><br/>	+	With this business relationship as a foundation, when Danny decided to sell the business (after rolling out the redesigned [[Deep Stall\|Deep stall]] wing solutions), the Swings are on the short list.  The Swings decide to ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7]) purchase the business just before Osh Kosh 1992 ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=148 6]), and move to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], and Danny stays on as a consultant during the transition.  An interesting couple of side-notes, the Swings intended to offer a belly-mounted baggage pod and a Subaru engine conversion ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 7])!<br/><br/>

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {Note that this history is compiled from a variety of sources, listed in the [http://wiki.velocityxl.com/index.php?title=UnOfficial_Velocity_History#Footnotes footnotes], and although every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, it has not been blessed or endorsed by [http://www.velocityaircraft.com Velocity].}<br/><br/>
 [[Image:Danny_maher2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Danny Maher, Founder of Velocity]]
-[[Image:Danny_maher.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Danny Maher, with protoype N401DM]]
+[[Image:Danny_maher.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Danny Maher, with prototype N401DM]]
 Velocity was founded by Danny Maher.&nbsp;&nbsp;Danny grew up in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale,_Florida Ft. Lauderdale], Florida, and went on to earn a Chemical Engineering degree.&nbsp;&nbsp;He worked in shipping, in electrolysis prevention, but began a hobby of racing boats. At 25 he had built a 32' ocean racer powered by a straight-drive Chevy V8 427 that would do 55 MPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;This lead to a business in building offshore racing boats.&nbsp;&nbsp;This business was very successful, and after a decade he sold the company and "retired" at 35 to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], Florida.<br/><br/>
@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 [[Image:401dm 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|N401DM feature short rudders and retractable nose gear]]
-Danny founded Velocity in 1984 in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], Florida with himself as President.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pete Hoffman was the Vice President, and [[Hunter N141NH|Neil Hunter]] was in charge of Public Relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was built in 7 months, and first flew in the summer of 1985.&nbsp;&nbsp;It weighed 1,100 pounds empty, with a gross weight of 2,550 pounds and a Lycoming 180 HP engine and composite prop (built by Danny).&nbsp;&nbsp;Cruise was claimed as 220 MPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flight testing of the [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was completed in mid-October 1985, and thus did not attend Osh Kosh [http://www.airventure.org/ Airventure], but was debuted at [http://sun-n-fun.org/content/ Sun-n-Fun] in 1986.&nbsp;&nbsp;That first airplane, with a serial number of DMO40, was registered as [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]].&nbsp;&nbsp;This airplane was flown by Billy Henederson of [http://www.eaa.org/sportaviation/ Sport Aviation], who noted 1500-200 fpm climb rates and a top end of 184 kts.&nbsp;&nbsp;This first aircraft also featured a retractable nose gear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Note that the original aircraft did not have full-length rudders.<br/><br/>
+Danny founded Velocity in 1984 in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian,_Florida Sebastian], Florida with himself as President.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pete Hoffman was the Vice President, and [[Hunter N141NH|Neil Hunter]] was in charge of Public Relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was built in 7 months, and first flew in the summer of 1985.&nbsp;&nbsp;It weighed 1,100 pounds empty, with a gross weight of 2,550 pounds and a Lycoming 180 HP engine and composite prop (built by Danny).&nbsp;&nbsp;Cruise was claimed as 220 MPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flight testing of the [[Maher_N401DM|prototype]] was completed in mid-October 1985, and thus did not attend Oshkosh [http://www.airventure.org/ Airventure], but was debuted at [http://sun-n-fun.org/content/ Sun-n-Fun] in 1986.&nbsp;&nbsp;That first airplane, with a serial number of DMO40, was registered as [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]].&nbsp;&nbsp;This airplane was flown by Billy Henederson of [http://www.eaa.org/sportaviation/ Sport Aviation], who noted 1500-200 fpm climb rates and a top end of 184 kts.&nbsp;&nbsp;This first aircraft also featured a retractable nose gear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Note that the original aircraft did not have full-length rudders.<br/><br/>
 The serial numbers started with DMO-Dan Maher Original, number 40.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's believed that the number 40 was chosen to reassure buyers that they were getting a proven product!&nbsp;&nbsp;The aileron push-pull cables were [http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/MORSECONTROLS1.htm Morse marine] style, because he was familiar with their operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The brake [http://www.velocityxl.com/Master_Mount.JPG master cylinders] were from the Datsun/Nissan B210's clutch!&nbsp;&nbsp;Build time was estimated at 800-1000 hours with the kit in the $18,000 range.&nbsp;&nbsp;The kit featured 43 1/2" wide fuselage, though the prototype was only 42 1/4".&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly the height was 40" on the prototype, 41" on the kit, and length was 81".&nbsp;&nbsp;The main wing area on the prototype was 96.4 SQFT and the canard was 19.75 SQFT, for a total area of 116.15 SQFT, for a gross loading of 19.37 lbs/SQFT.&nbsp;&nbsp;These were increased slightly for the kits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The outer wing panels were modified Long-EZ airfoils, but the strakes and canard were Danny's design, and Roncz vortilons were added to the main wings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Danny is the registered builder of 4 Velocitys (DMO040, DMO100, DMO255, and 029; [[Maher_N401DM|N401DM]], [[Stedman_N7044Q|N7044Q]], [[Feminella_N255DM|N255DM]], and [[Maher_N4253M|N4253M]] registration).&nbsp;&nbsp;(NOTE: The  advertised wing dimensions on production aircraft were a span of 28.63 FT, for a wing area of 125 SQFT, and wing loading of 19.6 lbs/SQFT).<br/><br/>
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 [[Image:Cuffs.jpg|thumb|right|200px|N81VA with cuffs solves deep stall issue on original wing design]]
+These wing dimensions were maintained until 1992 when the [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=132 173] (or as it later came to be called, the "Long Wing") wing was offered.&nbsp;&nbsp;This was a play on the Cessna 172, and was meant to tame the handling characteristics to the point where any pilot could comfortably handle it.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 173 was intended to be unpaved-runway-capable, with sturdier gear that stand about 2.5" taller than the original, with bigger 6.00x6 main wheels, more wing and canard (20%) span, and a thicker airfoil, and a 58 MPH stall speed and 190 MPH top speed ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=132 5]).&nbsp;&nbsp;This also was just after the (see [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=134 Kitplanes November 1991] [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 Kitplanes December 1992]) so called [[deep stall|deep stall]] mystery was solved.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of this solution, the wing trailing edge was extended to the aft edge of the tip sails, and the aft inboard camber was changed ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=151 2]), and 60" leading edge cuffs were offered to existing aircraft owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cuffs are required for DMO serial numbers below 115 (approximately, [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=71 3]).&nbsp;&nbsp;Kits after 115 were shipped with the new wing, and an extra forward fuel baffle ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=71 3]).  The new "Standard" wing dimension were 29.4' span, 122 SQFT wing area, and the 173/Long Wing dimensions were 31' span, 145 SQFT wing area.<br/>

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:25, 20 July 2012
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−	These wing dimensions were maintained until 1992 when the [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=132 173] (or as it later came to be called, the "Long Wing") wing was offered.  This was a play on the Cessna 172, and was meant to tame the handling characteristics to the point where any pilot could comfortably handle it.  The 173 was intended to be unpaved-runway-capable, with sturdier gear that stand about 2.5" taller than the original, with bigger 6.00x6 main wheels, more wing and canard (20%) span, and a thicker airfoil, and a 58 MPH stall speed and 190 MPH top speed ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=132 5]).  This also was just after the (see [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=134 Kitplanes November 1991] [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 Kitplanes December 1992]) so called [[deep stall\|'deep stall']] mystery was solved.  As part of this solution, the wing trailing edge was extended to the aft edge of the tip sails, and the aft inboard camber was changed ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=151 2]), and 60" leading edge cuffs were offered to existing aircraft owners.  The cuffs are required for DMO serial numbers below 115 (approximately, [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=71 3]).  Kits after 115 were shipped with the new wing, and an extra forward fuel baffle ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=71 3]). The new "Standard" wing dimension were 29.4' span, 122 SQFT wing area, and the 173/Long Wing dimentions were 31' span, 145 SQFT wing area.<br/>	+	These wing dimensions were maintained until 1992 when the [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=132 173] (or as it later came to be called, the "Long Wing") wing was offered.  This was a play on the Cessna 172, and was meant to tame the handling characteristics to the point where any pilot could comfortably handle it.  The 173 was intended to be unpaved-runway-capable, with sturdier gear that stand about 2.5" taller than the original, with bigger 6.00x6 main wheels, more wing and canard (20%) span, and a thicker airfoil, and a 58 MPH stall speed and 190 MPH top speed ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=132 5]).  This also was just after the (see [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=134 Kitplanes November 1991] [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=133 Kitplanes December 1992]) so called [['deep stall'\|deep stall]] mystery was solved.  As part of this solution, the wing trailing edge was extended to the aft edge of the tip sails, and the aft inboard camber was changed ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=151 2]), and 60" leading edge cuffs were offered to existing aircraft owners.  The cuffs are required for DMO serial numbers below 115 (approximately, [http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=71 3]).  Kits after 115 were shipped with the new wing, and an extra forward fuel baffle ([http://www.velocityxl.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=71 3]). The new "Standard" wing dimension were 29.4' span, 122 SQFT wing area, and the 173/Long Wing dimentions were 31' span, 145 SQFT wing area.<br/>