Got Friends – EA–7 Edgley Optica v1.0.7

 


Combining the visibility of a helicopter with outstanding slow-flying capabilities, the original concept for the Edgley EA7 Optica was as a three-seat touring aircraft. Designer John Edgley, at that time began the final aerodynamic design in 1974. The first flight was made on 14 December 1979. The engine drives a five-bladed fixed-pitch ducted fan, and the Optica is thought to be the world’s quietest powered aircraft. Mounting the whole cockpit assembly ahead of the fan and engine gives the pilot and passengers 270° panoramic vision, plus almost vertical downward vision; the cockpit canopy design allows photography through the panels.