Owl (1 Viewer)

[Mitch]

Guys...

Anyone help was there not supposed to be an Owl released by Figarti at Chicago. Did it come out and missed it I think it unlikely but, anyone especially Rick et al give me any info
Mitch

 

[lancer]

This story about the Owl has been kicking around here for months but I don't recall it being a sure thing as to whether it would be produced or not. Lots of people waiting on this one. -- Al

 

[RWFigarti]

Guys...

Anyone help was there not supposed to be an Owl released by Figarti at Chicago. Did it come out and missed it I think it unlikely but, anyone especially Rick et al give me any info
Mitch

Dear Mitch and All,

Yes, I did mention sometime ago that the HE 219 would be launched in Chicago but it did not, here is why (As mentioned to several Figarti Collectors at the show.)

When we actually started producing the Owl after the Chicago show last year, we based it on the prototype we did but did not compensate for the material weight difference. What happened was we could not engineer the plane to stand level on its wheel, it would tip backwards due to weight balance issues. What we thought to ourselves is exactly what you are thinking in your head right now and that is, put more weight in the front (duh). But reality is that the OWL has a very interesting design in that the front is very short and there wasn't really room to add weight to. After trying for 6 months to solve the problem, we gave up and decided to re-tool the entire plane. The good news, we figured out the problem and now can move forward with the plane production, but bad news is we don't have a firm release date yet due to pre-Christmas production schedule, I promise it will launch. I apologize for those who have been waiting, but believe it or not, this is one difficult plane to produce, but we'll get it done.

Rick
RWFigarti

 

[lancer]

Dear Mitch and All,

Yes, I did mention sometime ago that the HE 219 would be launched in Chicago but it did not, here is why (As mentioned to several Figarti Collectors at the show.)

When we actually started producing the Owl after the Chicago show last year, we based it on the prototype we did but did not compensate for the material weight difference. What happened was we could not engineer the plane to stand level on its wheel, it would tip backwards due to weight balance issues. What we thought to ourselves is exactly what you are thinking in your head right now and that is, put more weight in the front (duh). But reality is that the OWL has a very interesting design in that the front is very short and there wasn't really room to add weight to. After trying for 6 months to solve the problem, we gave up and decided to re-tool the entire plane. The good news, we figured out the problem and now can move forward with the plane production, but bad news is we don't have a firm release date yet due to pre-Christmas production schedule, I promise it will launch. I apologize for those who have been waiting, but believe it or not, this is one difficult plane to produce, but we'll get it done.

Rick
RWFigarti

Thank you for the answer, Rick. Appreciate the info and look forward to the release. -- Al

 

[Mitch]

Rick...

Thank you very much for the update and, for the extra information which, when manufacturing problems etc and delays occur few are willing to share. I look forward to its release.
Mitch

 

[MapleLeaf]

Is there gonna be a desert version?
I'm in for that one

 

[Mitch]

Ita such a nice aircraft I would not mind what theatre it was done in.
Mitch