The Edgley EA-7 Optica is a British light aircraft designed for slow-speed observation work,as a low-cost alternative to helicopters. Troubled design
The Edgley EA-7 Optica is a British light aircraft designed for slow-speed observation work, and intended as a low-cost alternative to helicopters. The Optica has a cruise speed of 130 km/h (70 kn; 81 mph) and a stall speed of 108 km/h (58 kn; 67 mph). The Optica project began in 1974 with a company, Edgley Aircraft Limited, formed by John Edgley who, with a small team, designed and built the original prototype. In 1982, institutional investors bought into the project and set up a production line at Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire. Over the next three years, the company was built up to full manufacturing capability, the aircraft received UK certification, and the first customer aircraft was delivered. Despite this success, the additional investment necessary for the final phase of full production was not forthcoming, the business went into receivership, and John Edgley was forced out. With new owners, the project continued to be a success, aircraft on the production line were completed, and the Optica entered service. The Optica, designed by John Edgley, has an unusual configuration with a fully glazed forward cabin, reminiscent of an Alouette helicopter, that provides 270° panoramic vision and almost vertical downward vision for the pilot and two passengers. The aircraft has twin booms with twin rudders and a high-mounted tailplane. It is powered by a Lycoming flat-six normally-aspirated engine situated behind the cabin and driving a fixed pitch ducted fan. Due to the ducted fan, the aircraft is exceptionally quiet. The aircraft has a fixed tricycle undercarriage with the nosewheel offset to the left. The wings are unswept and untapered. The aircraft is of fairly standard all-metal construction with stressed aluminium skin. The aircraft's distinctive appearance has led to it being known as the "bug-eye" in some popular reports. The Optica and the Sprint together then passed through other owners until, in 2007, they were offered to John Edgley who formed a new co
Size: 5000px × 3321px
Location: Farnborough, Hants, UK
Photo credit: © Avpics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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