That is an excellent idea for any first flight experimental aircraft.

I'll propose it to the pilot when he gets back.

Rancher Bob

I'll contribute the 1st $500. It's only money --the test pilot is putting his butt on the line.There's a company in the Slovak/Czech Republic, if I remember correctly, who have a proven product and at a better price than the BRS people. Perhaps we could get a special deal considering that this is an exciting and newsworthy project and could get them a bunch of good publicity.

Bob Ripley

I'll put in $100 my self.

I'll get back to you Bob. I'll check with the boss.

Paul Lamar

I believe it is called MAGNUM BALLISTIC PARACHUTES

Vern Taylor

This is a wonderful idea for all homebuilts. IMHO it will significantly make home building safer.

Paul Lamar

Something for everyone to remember is typically the ballistic chute saves the pilot but writes off the plane. On a Cirrus the plane is junk after using the chute it's only a last resort.

Bill Jepson

What fails on the airplane Bill?

Would a bigger chute help?

Paul Lamar


     A bigger chute would likely help. The ballistic chute saves ultra lights. But full size aircraft are descending at speeds that cause 20 g impacts. If you look at the specs you will note that the gear will be sure to fold and the bottom of the fuselage will get crumpled and the stresses involved can effect the whole airframe. The pilot will be saved which is the point of course, but BPs aren't going to save you with no damage. If you want the plane back you will probably need to land it.

     Bill Jepson

     You can buy a chute for a 4000 pound airplane from Magnum.

     I suspect that would let our 1000 pound Harmon Rocket with the 650 HP
     under 200 pound engine down lightly.


     Paul Lamar

Writing off planes is only a matter of money. Writing off humans is something else!

   Bob Ripley


Paul. I know one test pilot guy  that would be interested but because of the gas on board would require a full airframe parachute.

The gear box that we have in mind would carry the one chamber 120 hp RX 8 pretty hand-ley for a customer's air boat.
We have finally found a 2011 Wrangler 2.72 ratio 241J transfer case that will take 4.01 gear set.

Our plan is to design the box at 2.72 for the airboat and if we have any luck with it install the 4.01 gear set later as an upgrade. Lots of inexpensive Burt's pushers around with a couple 100 hours which if it has a proper fuel cell reduces the gamble a bit.


You mentioned a few months back you were going to try a couple light weight adjustable pitch props for the one chamber RX 8 engine, do you recall which ones you were considering?

I supervised the building and Test flying to army standards of 2 of Burt's canards at Ft. Lewis, WA.

Milo Burroughs

Home made hub with Sensinetch blades.


Paul Lamar



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