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| Ultracub from Belite |
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| Ultracub from Belite: ultralight airplane looks like J3 Cub |
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| Ultracub from Belite |
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| Tail Feathers on UltraCub |
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| Ultracub from Belite: Looks like Piper Cub |
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| Ultralight Ultracub Aircraft from Belite |
"The Standard Pilot Blog"TM The Chipper and Radiant Blog for Experimental and Ultralight (Part 103) Aircraft (c) 2010 thru (c) 2020 by James Wiebe.
Friday, July 13, 2012
more spy photos
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!
Friday, June 22, 2012
TOP SECRET -- EYES ONLY FOR UNDERSIGNED
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!
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:
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:
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| 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:
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| Belite UltraCub, side view |
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| 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:
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| 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:
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| James Wiebe (Belite President) holding UltraCub rear fairing |
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| Mr. Wiebe discusses structure of UltraCub? |
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| 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.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
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))))
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))))
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| UltraCub rear structure -- Belite ultralight aircraft |
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| UltraCub rear structure -- Belite ultralight aircraft |
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| UltraCub rear structure -- wooden formers and longerons, Belite |
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| UltraCub rear former being glued, clamp still in place |
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| Amazing lines on UltraCub from Belite Aircraft |
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sneak Peek of upcoming Belite aircraft
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!
Yeah, I haven't posted much in the last 30 days. Unlike a lot of blog authors, who blather on with apologies, make a weak post, then disappear from view, never to be heard from again -- I would rather say I've been busy. And working on a number of very special things. And I want to start sharing them with you.
Earlier today, I had a meeting with my wife and business partner, Kathy. I opined that we needed to start the publicity engine for Airventure, and that perhaps it would be helpful to start 'leaking' information on our upcoming aircraft and product announcements into the market and customer base. As no one drives by our workshop and takes spy photos (at least that I'm aware of), I have to be the one to let the information out. Very carefully, of course, so no one will suspect that I am the source of the information. So, this post is my first unofficial information leak.
Here is a photo of a work in progress: our 'UltraCub'. (That name selection is not final.) You do have to use some imagination to fill in the rear turtledeck with fabric and paint, and you have to imagine where the windows are (in the half moon shapes.)
It looks like it is going to be the perfect one man Cub. We'll have one at Oshkosh. More details then, including pricing and performance, and how it relates to the rest of our product line.
Notice the use of wood, which allows us to maintain low assembly costs and also easy three dimensional shapes. Our use of our ShopBot helps as well -- the upper turtledeck is constructed from CNC milled Baltic Birch formers, and all of the longerons are cut from amazing aircraft quality fir.
Some more photos of the construction:
The lines on this plane are drop dead gorgeous. The main color is cub yellow, of course, but we're thinking of doing the back upper fuselage in some shade of black. Stay tuned.
There's lots more coming.
Yeah, I haven't posted much in the last 30 days. Unlike a lot of blog authors, who blather on with apologies, make a weak post, then disappear from view, never to be heard from again -- I would rather say I've been busy. And working on a number of very special things. And I want to start sharing them with you.
Earlier today, I had a meeting with my wife and business partner, Kathy. I opined that we needed to start the publicity engine for Airventure, and that perhaps it would be helpful to start 'leaking' information on our upcoming aircraft and product announcements into the market and customer base. As no one drives by our workshop and takes spy photos (at least that I'm aware of), I have to be the one to let the information out. Very carefully, of course, so no one will suspect that I am the source of the information. So, this post is my first unofficial information leak.
Here is a photo of a work in progress: our 'UltraCub'. (That name selection is not final.) You do have to use some imagination to fill in the rear turtledeck with fabric and paint, and you have to imagine where the windows are (in the half moon shapes.)
 |
| Belite UltraCub ultralight airplane, work in progress |
It looks like it is going to be the perfect one man Cub. We'll have one at Oshkosh. More details then, including pricing and performance, and how it relates to the rest of our product line.
Notice the use of wood, which allows us to maintain low assembly costs and also easy three dimensional shapes. Our use of our ShopBot helps as well -- the upper turtledeck is constructed from CNC milled Baltic Birch formers, and all of the longerons are cut from amazing aircraft quality fir.
Some more photos of the construction:
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| Belite UltraCub? Ultralight Airplane, work in progress |
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| Detail of UltraCub assembly, lots of clamps... |
The lines on this plane are drop dead gorgeous. The main color is cub yellow, of course, but we're thinking of doing the back upper fuselage in some shade of black. Stay tuned.
There's lots more coming.
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