Designed for both police observation as well as military recon (look at that bubble cockpit) was great idea I believe they sold several to police departments. would have been a good fit for fire observation in the pacific northwest also (fire season). To bad it never quite made it
I remember seeing one in person years ago when they first came out. I was very impressed. The pusher ducted fan arrangement was unique as was the bubble which always reminds me of the Bell 47 helicopter. I still have the sales literature for the Optica... somewhere. More videos please!
I came to this video because I was just (Nov, 2011) up in WH Smiths reading a copy of 'aircraft buyers guide' and they had a big review of the Optica. First time I spotted it I thought "WTF IS THAT? some nasty concept 'car' of the sky?", then realized the windshield is huge, and the point (the views must be excellent, plus, three seats :). Anyway, it seems the Optica is back in production. I can't remember precisely, just glancing thru, but I think it was listed as ?$220,000?.
this was used in a low budget sci-fi movie that featured , who was that guy who played the jedi knight,luke skywalker . cant remember the movie name either hahah
This was one of the best designs by John Edgley of UK. Pity the production came to a halt( after a "Fire" at the Plant at Old Sarum airfield in UK. It came to a halt because one of their first craft was being used by the police and it crashed! It took 2 years before the investigation concluded that it was Pilot error.- by then it was too late and all orders were cancelled..........Pity It truely was wonderful design..! Notwithstanding the noise at ground level but almost inaudible at 300 feet.
Designed for both police observation as well as military recon (look at that bubble cockpit) was great idea I believe they sold several to police departments. would have been a good fit for fire observation in the pacific northwest also (fire season). To bad it never quite made it
usmctanks1 1 week ago
I remember seeing one in person years ago when they first came out. I was very impressed. The pusher ducted fan arrangement was unique as was the bubble which always reminds me of the Bell 47 helicopter. I still have the sales literature for the Optica... somewhere. More videos please!
rotorlite 2 months ago
I would have named it the Dragonfly XD
Damn I love oddball aircraft~<3
Nosloveingneko 2 months ago
the views would only be more awesome if it had a true bubble windshield, with a transparent floor. :D
lexichronicle2 2 months ago
I came to this video because I was just (Nov, 2011) up in WH Smiths reading a copy of 'aircraft buyers guide' and they had a big review of the Optica. First time I spotted it I thought "WTF IS THAT? some nasty concept 'car' of the sky?", then realized the windshield is huge, and the point (the views must be excellent, plus, three seats :). Anyway, it seems the Optica is back in production. I can't remember precisely, just glancing thru, but I think it was listed as ?$220,000?.
lexichronicle2 2 months ago
this was used in a low budget sci-fi movie that featured , who was that guy who played the jedi knight,luke skywalker . cant remember the movie name either hahah
getting old sucks!
1abcrr1 6 months ago
@1abcrr1 Mark Hamill, Slipstream.
idontcare80 3 months ago
I had a student over here in England who built a large flying scale model for an exam project - it was magnificent
megabuckler 1 year ago
This was one of the best designs by John Edgley of UK. Pity the production came to a halt( after a "Fire" at the Plant at Old Sarum airfield in UK. It came to a halt because one of their first craft was being used by the police and it crashed! It took 2 years before the investigation concluded that it was Pilot error.- by then it was too late and all orders were cancelled..........Pity It truely was wonderful design..! Notwithstanding the noise at ground level but almost inaudible at 300 feet.
Ramvad 1 year ago
Geez it makes more a racket with the duct than an aircraft without!
hodgejr 1 year ago
Why the shroud around the engine? Aerodynamics?
ExtremeRecluse 1 year ago
@ExtremeRecluse Its a ducted fan assclown.
superskullmaster 7 months ago
Thank you very much! I collect information on this bird and this a great addition.
frankenfoamy 2 years ago
Rest in peace Hoxton, Never seen an Optica in the flesh before or even on youtube for that matter. Thanks for posting.
D9magestic 2 years ago