TOP SECRET -- EYES ONLY FOR UNDERSIGNED

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TOP SECRET -- EYES ONLY FOR UNDERSIGNED

To:  C.S.R.
From:  Ace Industrial Spy Service, Bob Phillips, PI, acting SPECIAL AGENT
Re:   Belite's Product Improvements ----- TOP SECRET MEMO #5


Mr. C.S.R.:

I know you are eager to get more information on the developments in Wichita at Belite Aircraft.  Well, the bizarre events at Belite Aircraft continue.  While observing from under the cedar trees in the rear alley, I noticed the owners leaving in a big hurry -- the man (James Wiebe) holding his left hand and appearing to be in great pain, with his wife (Kathy) driving their vehicle and exiting the parking lot in a huge hurry.  Whatever the problem was, I did see him return the following day, albeit with a huge bandage on the thumb of his left hand.  More on that topic at the end of this TOP SECRET MEMO.

While reconnoitering on the south side of their facility, I noticed that the UltraCub which you've asked me to investigate had been pulled outside.  Without revealing myself, I took this picture:

Belite UltraCub?  Spy photo

Since no one was around, I was able to get several more close up shots from different angles.  Here they are:

Belite UltraCub, side view

Belite UltraCub, quartering rear view

It's clear that they are planning to paint the turtledeck and rudder, It also seems that they plan on installing polycarbonate lexan in the nostalgic cub rear moon windows.  Also, they certainly plan to cover the landing gear "A" gear with fabric as well.

I am positive that the engine on this particular plane is a MZ-201, with 45HP.  This is the same engine combination that provided extraordinary performance on one of their earlier planes (see background video HERE demonstrating takeoff performance).

I also was able to get a closeup photo of the rear turtledeck detail:

Detail of Belite's UltraCub

And it appears obvious that the entire piece has been designed for easy attachment and removal.

I was startled as their groundskeeper rolled into view.  Thankfully, he didn't see me.  I went back around the corner to the north end of their facility, and was shocked to see Belite's president (James Wiebe) come outside and discuss their UltraCub project with an unidentified individual.  While I was looking (carefully and surreptitiously) around the corner of the building, Wiebe removed the turtledeck and continued the discussion.  I took several photos:

James Wiebe (Belite President) holding UltraCub rear fairing

Mr. Wiebe discusses structure of UltraCub?

Mr. Wiebe with left hand thumb in bandage?!

Concerning my observation of the Wiebe's leaving in a rush, on the prior day:  While they were outside talking, I snuck into the building and observed a dried area of blood on the floor close to the table saw.  Perhaps these events and observations are related.  If I learn more, I will let you know.

P.S.:  While I was inside their shop, I noticed an amazing paint job on an airplane under construction, and I also noticed some amazing engineering on a wing design.  More information will be forthcoming as I have time to investigate.

Industrial Espionage at Belite

Please note: James' blog has moved to a Wordpress site. To access it, please visit http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/. All posts have been transferred to the new site, and all new posts will only be accessible via Wordpress. Thank you for your interest!


Following note found in Belite Parking lot:

TOP SECRET -- EYES ONLY FOR UNDERSIGNED

To:  C.S.R.
From:  Ace Industrial Spy Service, Bob Phillips, PI, acting SPECIAL AGENT
Re:   Belite's Product Improvements ----- TOP SECRET MEMO #2

SIR:  I was able to take more spy photos of Belite's product development effort.  In particular, I observed their latest development:  a highly streamlined rear turtledeck for Belite's aircraft, which appears to make a Belite look like the best single seat nostalgic cub reproduction ever, and I overhead them mumbling about expected improvements in climb rate, speed, and fuel efficiency as a result of their innovation.

While their staff was out to lunch, I was able to closely examine the prototype structure, and I can confirm that it was built from CNC cut wood formers using five layer baltic birch 1/4" plywood and aircraft quality wood longerons.  It looks like they are making impressive use of their CAD / ShopBot to create a potentially inexpensive and attractive addition to their product line.

Rumor has it that a degreed aeronautical engineer has also entered his belief as to the expectations as to drag reductions.

Build quality of the prototype was excellent - world class.

While crouched outside their shop door, I heard them discuss the weight of this innovation -- only 5 1/2 pounds as shown.

They had left the structure to dry, after application of some sort of waterproofing spar varnish, and I had my opportunity to take the photos.  I hope you can appreciate the risk I have taken to get these photos to you.

They were constantly muttering something about it being called an UltraCub -- best ultralight ever.

I also saw some other innovations.  THREE MORE ultralight innovations in particular caught my eye, but I did not have the opportunity to take photos or the time to describe the other innovations in this report.  Hopefully soon.

P.S. -------  While taking these photos, I observed three of their employees methodically walking back and forth across the runway, dragging rakes and hoes.  Very very odd behaviour indeed.  I will attempt to gain an explanation, but I emphasize:  I have never seen such an odd thing before.  Whatever the explanation, it misses my mark at this time.

((((SCANS OF SECRET PHOTOS FOLLOWS))))

UltraCub rear structure -- Belite ultralight aircraft

UltraCub rear structure -- Belite ultralight aircraft

UltraCub rear structure -- wooden formers and longerons, Belite

UltraCub rear former being glued, clamp still in place

Amazing lines on UltraCub from Belite Aircraft