Edgerley Optica
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Join Date: Jul 2010
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Edgerley Optica
Just been watching a programme from 2015 and it briefly shows a taxiing Optica.
I know moves were afoot to try again with these but didn't know they were so advanced. Google not much help.
Are we to see more of these curious beasts soon?
I know moves were afoot to try again with these but didn't know they were so advanced. Google not much help.
Are we to see more of these curious beasts soon?
Avoid imitations
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There's still just the one flying about.
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Optica was one of those Great Ideas In Theory that didn't translate into a Compelling Idea In Practice. I think the later Seabird Seeker, as well as the Partenavia Observer, demonstrated that whilst it seemed attractive to have an aircraft with the visibility of a helicopter but running costs of an aeroplane, in practice potential operators either preferred the versatility of a helicopter ( private companies ) or didn't give a fig about the running costs ( police & military forces ).
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A wonderful aeroplane that deserved better things. Maybe I am biased as I worked for them for a summer while doing my engineering HND.
Yes there were difficulties including the loss in May 1985 of the one operated by Hampshire Police.
I got the chance to fly in the prototype - fabulous experience.
We had the exceptional Neville Duke do some of the test flying, a true gentleman.
Yes there were difficulties including the loss in May 1985 of the one operated by Hampshire Police.
I got the chance to fly in the prototype - fabulous experience.
We had the exceptional Neville Duke do some of the test flying, a true gentleman.
The Hampshire Police one was actually (unofficially?) in operation the day before the tragic accident; it was conducting a search at Aldershot and I was talking to it from Farnborough Tower.
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The RUC in Northern Ireland ran trials with both the Observer and the Optica back in the mid-late 1980s, I had a colleague whose father was involved. In the end they decided on a combination of Islanders and helicopters for their work, the latter for surveillance with Heli-Teli and Chancellor pods.
pretty poor takeoff performance as well due to fixed pitch fan , had to put a bigger engine in to make it acceptable. Wasn't to impressive out of old sarum compared to an auster towing a 2 seat glider!!!!
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