Airliners.net

What has to be my favorite kit plane the BD-10 had its life cut short by one or two crashes that were caused by high speed flutter. I think there are 2 flying examples left. Can anyone confirm that and provide info on the location of these surviving BD-10s?

Thanks
Dl757Md

I've google'd it in quite a few times and found several links, but I believe there's only one left flying, and who knows where that's at. I'll see what I can dig up.

SSTjumbo

Did you find a picture that shows the reg # of the one that's still flying? With that you could look up the location on the FAA aircraft registry search site.
http://162.58.35.241/acdatabase/acmain.htm

Actually I just answered my own question. I searched manuf-Bede/model-BD-10 and find that it is owned by Fuel Fresh Inc in Phoenix AZ. It is experimental classification exhibition category. Does that mean it is for air exhibitions or static exhibitions? Funny thing, it lists the motor type as reciprocating!

Dl757Md

Ex/Ex means the airplane can only be operated to/at/from airshows. I believe each flight and plan must be submitted and approved in advance by the FAA.

Most BD-10's were recips -- that was the big point to the BD-10 was how cheap they would be. The fact that the engine never materialized is a major factor in what killed off the BD-10.

I think only a couple were modified to jet power, and I don't know how much they actually flew.

Steve

Most BD-10's were recips -- that was the big point to the BD-10 was how cheap they would be. The fact that the engine never materialized is a major factor in what killed off the BD-10.

Not true. You are confusing the BD-10 with the BD-5. The BD-5 was piston powered and some where converted to the jet BD-5J. The BD-10 however was designed from the start around the GE CJ-610 turbojet that powered the Lear 23/24/25 and was to be the first kit built supersonic airplane.


View Large View Medium

Photo © George Canciani


BD-5J


View Large View Medium

Photo © James Richard Covington, Jr


BD-10