I was curious about how the Bede BD-4 stacks up against the 1968 Piper Arrow, size-wise, so I made a 3-view of the BD-4 from the overview drawings and copied the 3-view from the Arrow’s manual. This post has two large images so click through to my web site. The pictures won’t show up on Facebook or in an RSS reader.
It surprised me to see how much smaller the BD-4’s external dimensions are than the Arrow’s: 4′ shorter wingspan, 3′ shorter horizontal stabilizer, much shorter vertical stabilizer, and 3′ shorter nose to tail. I am building a BD-4C, which is 4″ wider and 14″ longer but it is still quite a bit smaller than the Arrow.
For all that, the BD-4C’s cabin is 4″ wider than the Arrow’s and offers about 10″ more foot room in the back seat.
Here are the diagrams. Click each to see a larger, easier to read, version of each.
Hi Art. Yes, a little smaller.
See you over the holidays.
Bob
The smaller profile and plate area means less drag and wind resistance. It is a large part of how that BD-4 goes so much faster, even without retractible wheels. power to weight ratio is most likely much higher with the BD-4, and it should climb like a Banshee. It doesn’t surprise me at all. You probably have a higher wing loading as well, which might translate into a smooth ride (unlike my T-craft, which has a long wing and light wing loading). Both the planes pictured look like great cross-country machines. I think you made a good choice for the type of flying you’re looking for.
Doherty