Photograph:
The prototype Badcock OBY-3 19-5539 (c/n 1) in Tasmania (O Babcock)
Country of origin:
Australia
Description:
Single-seat light sport aircraft
Power Plant:
One 45 kw (60 hp) HKS-700 two-cylinder, horizontally-opposed, air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 8.74 m (28 ft 5 in)
- Wing area: 10.3 m² (110.87 sq ft)
- Max speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
- Max cruising speed: 154 km/h (96 mph)
- Economical cruising speed: 102 km/h (63 mph)
- Max rate of climb: 366 m/min (1,200 ft/min)
- Fuel capacity: 60 litres (13 Imp gals)
- Empty weight: 208 kg (459 lb)
- Loaded weight: 360 kg (794 lb)
History:
The Badcock OBY-3 was the third light aircraft designed and built by Owen Badcock in northern Tasmania, he having built two aircraft, one known as the Kittyfox, based on the Denny Kitfox, and another aircraft based on the Avid Flyer. The stated objective was to improve the handling and speed range, keeping the attributes of the other aircraft, and having an efficient system of wing folding.
Construction of the OBY-3 commenced in 1998. It was designed to meet the then RAA 95-10 category. Construction took 11 years and it was finally completed in the amateur-built category as its weight exceeded 95-10 specifications. The wing folded and each contained a 30 litre (6.6 Imp gals) fuel tank. Construction was of aluminium. It had a cantilever aluminium tailwheel undercarriage. Initially it was to have a Rotax 582 or 503 engine but was fitted with a four-stroke HKS-700E unit driving through a 2.58:1 reduction a three-blade Brolga 1.72 m (68 inch) propeller using BP Ultimate or Premium unleaded fuel.
The prototype (19-5539) was completed in 2009 and registered with Recreation Aviation Australia on 30 September 2008.