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DESCRIPTION

  Based on previous work with innovative light aircraft, the BD-1 (eventually developed into the American Aviation AA-1 Yankee) and the BD-2, Jim Bede designed the BD-4, the first real "kitplane" in the world. The design was based on a high-wing cantilever monoplane of conventional design, able to be fitted either with tail wheel or tricycle undercarriage, as the builder chooses.

  The builder was also able to choose between building a two-seat or four-seat version. Bede wrote a 165-page BD-4 builder's book, "Build Your Own Airplane", that gives the amateur builder a good perspective on construction techniques. The intention was to have people with little or no fabrication experience start with a set of comprehensive plans and work up to a "bolt together" operation, using complex compone​​nts provided from the factory. In order to simplify construction, there were few curved surfaces and most of the fuselage was made up of flat aluminum sheeting. The only major components with compound curves were the engine cowling and landing gear spats which were made of fibreglass. The fuselage is constructed of aluminum angle braces bolted together to form a truss frame. An innovative wing structure employed a "panel-rib" constructed in sections consisting of a rib whose upper edge was "extended" horizontally to become one section of the wing surface. The wing was progressively built up by sliding these sections together over the tubular spar and fastening them together where they met. Although the original wing design was easy to build, current BD-4B features a redesigned, more conventional, metal wing with a tubular spar bonded to honeycomb ribs.

  The BD-4C is a greatly improved four seat model with 1,200 lb (544 kg) empty weight and 2,400 lb (1,089 kg) gross weight. Estimated construction time is 700 hours. Two models completed and flown by 2011 with kits currently being assembled around the world.

FEATURES

FUSELAGE

  All-metal, internally stressed design. Designed for home shop construction. No welding, no complicated jigs. Gusseted and bolted aluminum frame angles form "erector set" safety cage. Sleek bonded .016 and .020 aluminum skin, blind-riveted load-carrying components. The Cockpit can be upholstered and trimmed to production aircraft standards. Spacious instrument panel accommodates IFR components.

WINGS

  Second generation Jim Bede-designed all-metal "wet" cantilever high wing design with a 64-415 modified airfoil. The bonded wing skin is rivet-free except for the trailing edge spar. Ribs are 1.5" aluminum honeycomb. 10, 20, and 30-degree flap deflection. Flaps and ailerons, designed to be interchangeable, are torque-tube controlled. Rugged ready-to-mount 6.5" O.D. tubular main wing spars of 6061-T6 aluminum are sleeved for fast assembly to fuselage spar. Three-piece spar assembles quickly, is light and strong, and permits foldable wing option.

EMPENNAGE

  Horizontal stabilator all-flying design with 2.5" OD 2024-T3 center spar.63" 009 airfoil, 36"chord, and 88" span. Strong, light aluminum honeycomb ribs. Fin, rudder and stabilator are bonded.

SPECIFICATIONS

*The BD-4C, as a 4-place 2400-Lb. gross airplane, currently exceeds the required standards for the “Normal” FAA certification category. As a 2-place plane, it exceeds the required standards for the “Aerobatic” category. However, this design is not certified, and is intended only for construction and operation as an amateur-built aircraft.

PRICING

Item # BDC101 = BD-4C Fuselage Package --- $4,838.00

  Kit includes all formed aluminum angles, precut gusset’s, aluminum skins, center section and hardware *Builder Assist Package Available

Item # BDC102 = BD-4C Metal Wing Package --- $11,226.00

  Kit includes all precut honeycomb ribs, wing spars, formed rear spar, formed wing skins, new fuel pickup system, Proseal and electric fuel senders.  Kit includes flap and aileron formed skins, precut mahogany ribs, aileron torque tubes.

*Builder Assist Package Available

Item # BDC103 = BD-4C Control Package --- $5,493.00

  This kit includes the  bonded vertical and horizontal tail section, all bearings and hardware. Also included is all the weldments, push pull rods, trim system needed for the internal control systems.

Item #BDC104 = BD-4C Landing Gear Package --- $8,454.00

  Kit includes S-Ply landing gear struts, formed nose gear strut, redesigned landing gear box, nose gear wheel, main gear wheels, brakes, tires and tubes, all hardware, aluminum support angles, master cylinder, brake lines and all hardware

Item # BDC105 = BD-4C Finish Package --- $3,150.00

  Kit includes Plexiglas, wing tips, vertical and horizontal tips, all hardware

Item # BDC110 = BD-4C Complete Package --- $29,844.90

  Kit includes all 6 packages, plus engine mount welded Dynofocal Type 1. Items not included in the Complete Package: Engine, propeller, cowling, instruments, exhaust system.  All of which are available through BEDECORP.

(Contact Jim Bede at jim@jimbede.com to place an order.)

Optional Equipment