Failure to Launch

[red750]

In preparation for my next lot of aircraft profiles, I collected some photos of interesting aircraft, but when I read up on them, I found that only a very small number, less than 10, were produced. Hence the name of the topic. Rather than create a full profile, I will list them in this thread, and add to it if I find more in the same situation. The first was inspired by a recent accident in Queensland.

 

ANGEL AIRCRAFT CORPORATION Model 44.

 

The Angel Aircraft Corporation Model 44 Angel is a twin-engine STOL utility aircraft produced in the United States since the mid-1990s. Four aircraft were placed between 1984 and 2008. On 14 December 2019, an Angel 44 crashed into a field of corn near the airport at Mareeba, Queensland

 

 

ADAM AIRCRAFT A500

 

The Adam A500 is an American six-seat civil utility aircraft that was produced by Adam Aircraft Industries. The aircraft is of pod-and-boom, push-pull configuration with its two Continental TSIO-550-E piston engines mounted to provide centerline thrust.

The prototype A500 first flew on July 11, 2002, and was FAA certified in May 2005.Adam Aircraft ceased operations on 11 February 2008,[2] and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on 19 February 2008,[3] having delivered seven A500s.

In April 2008 Adam Aircraft was purchased from bankruptcy by AAI Acquisition Inc. At the time of purchase this new company indicated that they would pursue certification of the A700 jet as a priority and that the A500 would not be produced due to the continuing poor market for piston-engined aircraft. AAI went out of business in April 2009 without producing any aircraft.

The initial design empty weight publicized in 2003 was 4,200 lb (1,910 kg), while the actual empty weight of the serial number 7 A500 was 5,460 lb (2,480 kg). Initial gross weight was to be 6,300 lb (2,860 kg), which was increased to 7,000 lb (3,180 kg). This resulted in a change of useful load from a forecast 2,100 to 1,540 lb (950 to 700 kg).

With the 230 US gal (870 l) fuel tanks full, the available payload for crew, passengers and baggage is 160 lb (73 kg), down from a projected 720 lb (327 kg). This means that the A500 cannot carry full fuel and one standard weight adult male or female pilot.

 

 

 

ADAM AIRCRAFT A700

 

The Adam A700 AdamJet was a proposed six-seat civil utility aircraft developed by Adam Aircraft Industries starting in 2003. The aircraft was developed in parallel with the generally similar Adam A500, although while that aircraft is piston-engined, the A700 is powered by two Williams FJ33 turbofans. The two models have about 80% commonality.[2]

The prototype A700 first flew on July 28, 2003. Two conforming prototypes were built.