Streak shadow.

[Bennie Vorster]

I would really like to upgrade from my Winlass to something that is real value for money, not to expensive and I have take a liking in the Streak Shadow, but I see that there was a few ads over the last few months placed and start to have dough’s coz everybody is selling theirs. Can anyone please honestly advice me why they would not buy a Streak so I will be able to make an informed decision?

[Morph]

Bennie,

Like everything in life, you buy it, use it, drive it, fly it, get tired of it or like something else and you sell it. It's just because you are particularly sensitive to the Streak that you notice them more than Bushbabies for example (I seem to think we have had more of these for sale than the whole 2 Streaks.)

My opinion, not being a Streak flyer but interested and having asked questions is the following

Pro's very fast cruiser, great for longer distances, beautiful looking plane IMHO
Con's low unprotected rear propellor, prone to damage from stones
confined, cramped cockpit, especially the rear passenger position. (I understand you fly in almost a laying position so this can be tiring.)
Due to it's sleek design, short wings high cruising speed needs long fast take-off's and landings, therefore limited to nice runways, not ideal for bush tracks or the beach.

However, if you are looking for the speed, don't fly long distances with pax's and you are based at a decent airfield, why not, it's an exhilirating plane to fly.

[Bennie Vorster]

Hi Morpheus

Thank you for the quick response and good advice.
It seems like the right price, I like the speed a lot and am happy with the look. We have a tarred 1.5 km airstrip. The only problem I have is that I need to fly between 120 km and 400 km trips from time to time. I would also like to maybe take a big boy scooter with, just for in case.

Do you still think the Streak might do it, or is there something else I can look at in the same price range or a bit more expensive?

[Morph]

Hi Bennie,

I have no idea if a big-boy scooter will fit in the rear seat. I would assume so. The best is to try and have a look at one somewhere near you. Good luck

[Smiley]

Hello Bennie

I can maybe just ad on all the info already given. The Streak Shadow fuselage also comes in a "narrow body" and "wide body" format. I'm almost 6 feet tall. I fit very uncomfortable in the narrow body but fit quite nicely into the wide body. So maybe that's also something to consider when shopping for one???

Haven't flown one myself, but did climb into both cockpits to feel the difference!!

[Bennie Vorster]

Just a little bit of info for all Streak Shadow fans.

http://freespace.virgin.net/shadow.owners/index.htm

Shadow History

Designed by David Cook, the first person to fly the English Channel in a powered hang-glider, the Shadow first flew in 1983. Originally fitted with an EC44 Robin two stroke engine producing 53hp the engine was subsequently replaced by a Rotax 447 two stroke air-cooled unit producing 40hp, this was to form the basis of the Shadow 'B' series power unit. In 1988 the 'C' series was introduced with the more powerful 50 hp Rotax 503 two stroke air-cooled engine together with streamlined struts, providing a significant improvement in take-off performance. Many 'B' series Shadows have been upgraded to 'C' series specification. Both models conform to the British Civil Aviation Authority, Section S requirements and can be flown on a Microlight licence. The Shadow has a 33ft wing span and is 21.5ft in length.
In 1988 the Streak Shadow was introduced and having a 28ft wing span and the more powerful Rotax 532 liquid cooled engine producing 64hp, it was outside of the UK Microlight category. With a VNE (Velocity Never Exceed) of 140 mph and an initial climb of 1,500ft/min the Streak provides the Group 'A' licensed pilot with a truly low cost flying machine. The standard power unit for the Streak at present is the Rotax 582 liquid cooled, dual ignition two stroke, again with 64hp although some are now being flown with the more powerful Rotax 618 liquid cooled two-stroke power unit providing 74hp.
Both the Shadow and the Streak Shadow are constructed from modern, state-of-the-art materials. The body is built from 'Fibrelam' producing a robust component of exceptional strength, rigidity whilst remaining light in weight. The wing spar employs a unique 'I' - beam structure, with a plywood shear web and pre-formed alloy capping. Whilst in its appearance the wing is strutted, it is in fact a cantilever design. The struts provide 'psychological security' and reduce wing root stress in ground handling. The leading edge is a 'D' section of plywood with polyester fabric covering the rear wing.
New models are being developed, the Star Streak has yet shorter wings than the Streak and powered by the Rotax 618 achieves an initial climb rate of some 2,000ft/min solo and 2,800ft/min in a zoom climb. The Super Shadow series 'D' has a wider cockpit and is powered by a Rotax 582. Falling within the Microlight category the Super Shadow will rank among the quickest aircraft in its class.
The Shadow series 'B' and 'C' being within the Microlight category can be purchased ready built, or in kit form, whilst the Streak Shadow is available only as a kit for building under the British Popular Flying Association program.
The Shadow can be rigged in under 10 minutes, with times from trailer to flight realistically 30 minutes, which includes the rigging and pre-flight checks. The Shadow is truly a short field aircraft with members regularly flying from strips of less than 300 metres. Applying full power, the Shadow is easily airborne within 7-8 seconds with a climb-out at 60 mph achieving 800-1,100ft/min depending on the type of propeller and load etc.
Shadow Achievements & Records
To date more than 400 Shadows have been built around the world and the Shadow is not short on records. Two flights have been made to Australia, the first by Eve Jackson in 1987 and then by Brian Milton in 1988. More recently James Edmonds flew a Shadow to Beijing. In 1983 the Shadow achieved an FAI world record for its class for speed over 3km. In 1984 it achieved a distance record for its class. In 1990 a Shadow achieved a UK national altitude record of 23,648 ft. Also in 1990 the Streak achieved a UK national altitude of 27,066ft in its class.

[Smiley]

Thanks for the very informative info Bennie!!

[Morph]

You know Bennie,

you could always look at a Challenger. Not that I am biased at all, but a great plane to build/buy, fly and own. Generally kitted with a little 503, but it does go places and very well at that. Not as crampted as the Streak, but then not as fast. The short wing version, like mine, can cruise easily at 75MPH and is very responsive. You can get more information from
http://www.challengers101.com/ChProjHome.html.

A decent 2nd hand plane will cost you R100K. They are very strong and have known to easily fly in to the 1000's of hours. A kit will land at R140K complete (engine, instruments the works)

[Bennie Vorster]

Morpheus

If they build plains the way they build websites, they really are good.

This must be one of the best sights that I have ever saw, when it comes to description and Specs of their product. I am impressed.