The 2020 Unlimited Class Rumor Thread!

[CubersWrist]

It looks like it is mostly T-33 parts save for the middle of the fuselage. Why not just use a T-33? Was it parts availability?

[Big_Jim]

It looks like it is mostly T-33 parts save for the middle of the fuselage. Why not just use a T-33? Was it parts availability?

Think of the DO-335 layout. In this case, the sheer volume of liquid (fuel/spraybar/adi) calculated for two Griffon engines meant there had to be significantly more tankage than the available internal wing tanks. I believe the Lear fuselage offered frontal area with the front and rear engine, with significant room for tanks close to either side of the c.g.

[ZacYates]

Pretty sure it isn't being parted out, but fixed to fly again as a TF at Airmotive.

If that’s true then I expect the people who donated to the recovery fund believing it would return as a racer will be disappointed.

Attack of the yaks, including 2 Yak in a Box's.... Could be interesting considering Steadfast and Full Noise will be airfield mates very very soon with Steadfast heading to NZ

It would be bold - but impressive - if Steadfast’s Kiwi owners took her to Reno a year after buying her!

[BellCobraIV]

Wow, The Lear Solution...that was a long road back into time. The napkin drawing of the Lear solution is not a scale drawing. A lot of information gets lost when we tried to make the actual parts fit the design profile. First off the Griffon engines although single stage with nitrous oxide to boost the power are still large. The conversation with Pete Law completely eliminated the thought of pure boil off for the cooling. Carrying the gasoline, ADI, nitrous oxide, and boiler water was just going to be too much as Brad said. I do believe that for historical reasons the money guy gave all the details to Brad. But Brad is not supposed to share them with anyone. Ultimately the wing was going to be a new build based on a scaled up Spiteful wing with taller landing gear for rear propeller ground clearance.

[GRNDP51]

If that’s true then I expect the people who donated to the recovery fund believing it would return as a racer will be disappointed.

People constantly ask Thom via various social media platforms if there are updates and the answer is always "slow, and we are watching Unlimited air racing to see if it turns around". Understandably... I haven't seen any information if it's going to be a wackjob TF Griffon this and that conversion, but the race parts are definitely being used on other planes, that's a fact.

[Big_Jim]

Wow, The Lear Solution...that was a long road back into time. The napkin drawing of the Lear solution is not a scale drawing. A lot of information gets lost when we tried to make the actual parts fit the design profile. First off the Griffon engines although single stage with nitrous oxide to boost the power are still large. The conversation with Pete Law completely eliminated the thought of pure boil off for the cooling. Carrying the gasoline, ADI, nitrous oxide, and boiler water was just going to be too much as Brad said. I do believe that for historical reasons the money guy gave all the details to Brad. But Brad is not supposed to share them with anyone. Ultimately the wing was going to be a new build based on a scaled up Spiteful wing with taller landing gear for rear propeller ground clearance.

I didn't recall the wing change, but given my memory lately, it's not surprising.

[Lon Moer]

If that’s true then I expect the people who donated to the recovery fund believing it would return as a racer will be disappointed.
<>

I have seen several postings saying basically 'we donated to the PM rebuild fund, nothing happened except Thom ended up with a new TP-40'.

[Fence Sence]

I have seen several postings saying basically 'we donated to the PM rebuild fund, nothing happened except Thom ended up with a new TP-40'.

Ouch. No matter how you slice it though, that is what happened. Pretty tough to not be bitter for us fans. We did our best. Nothing happened. We don’t even get to see the TP-40 we all pitched in for go around the pylons. Talk about a loose-loose deal. I don’t know what events actually transpired but, as a fan and a donor, the above scenario what it looks like from my side of the fence.

[Big_Jim]

Ouch. No matter how you slice it though, that is what happened. Pretty tough to not be bitter for us fans. We did our best. Nothing happened. We don’t even get to see the TP-40 we all pitched in for go around the pylons. Talk about a loose-loose deal. I don’t know what events actually transpired but, as a fan and a donor, the above scenario what it looks like from my side of the fence.

Regardless of the truth of the matter, which has never been openly addressed, the perception increasingly becomes the truth in the silence. That is what is so sad, because it just kind of shines a different light on all involved.

[Fence Sence]

Regardless of the truth of the matter, which has never been openly addressed, the perception increasingly becomes the truth in the silence. That is what is so sad, because it just kind of shines a different light on all involved.

Yup. I’m trying to stay positive about the whole deal. I was especially proud of that bird. I spent several days stomping around the desert looking for that clamshell. I like Thom and the crew as well. My dad flew with him down in Florida last he was there. Trust me, I’m on board. Thoughts of “Why?” are starting to creep in though.