I rented a Hummer 3 (good stereo - otherwise no show and definitely no
go) and headed from our office in Scottsdale to first George Joy's Peak
Electronics in Gilbert, then on to Tucson to Don Peters at Maple Leaf
Design.
Goerge's operation is typical of an organized and properly managed
operation employing 2 other gentlemen (I met John Baird) to build
various types of electronic components, namely chargers. I love seeing
smaller operations that continue to market quality products, Peak
Electronics is no exception.
An hour or so later I arrived at Maple Leaf Designs in Tucson. Don and
Denise Peters showed me their lovely home with a great view of the
nearby mountains. On the drive down I admired the various size
mountains, and thought of sloping activities. Seems there are a few, but
landing requires airframes that are rock resistant.
I toured Don's shop, once again a place for everything and everything in
its place. I got see the latest version of the Encore, as well as the
raw cut materials and molds that make up an Icon.
The Icon is not standing still design-wise. Don continues to fine tune
the build process, and just as importantly the most up-to-date materials
employed to increase strength, stiffness, and even lower mass.
We went for a burger and I learned firsthand some of the more recent
changes that continue to make the Icon a first rate airframe
(understandably I am not about to divulge - maybe Don will tell you
directly). I think most understand pc's/laptops/etc and how what you
bought today is already dated in such a competitive industry.
Based on what I saw/heard the Icon design continues to evolve, and
employs cutting-edge composites which rival "anything" F3X currently
flying "anywhere" in the world. Needless to say this takes some
considerable legwork and then persistance on Don's part. Small volume
operations like MLD have to press the right buttons to get precisely
what they are after, given the fact that those materials with the
highest demands are spoken for by the upper echelon of the aerospace
industry.
There is talk of a bigger wing to equalize that (small) performance
arena where span/airfoil might eek out an advantage in the heat (or lack
thereof) of early morning or late evening battle.
It has been suggested by more than a few that Joe Wurts achieved the
correct airfoil/planform on the Icon to start with. Who can argue?
Thanks gentlemen for the hospitality.
P.S. The Pima Air Musuem was great, I definitely need to go back and do
a proper tour of the boneyard at Davis Monthan (noteworthy is the
momento 20mm cannon shell [sans explosive agent] I purchased at the gift
shop that US TSA flagged prior to X-ray...but failed to locate during my
return to Canada.
Simon Van Leeuwen
RADIUS SYSTEMS
PnP SYSTEMS - The E-Harness of Choice
Cogito Ergo Zooom
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