Gunther Balz's Spitfire Replica N783GB Query

[Dan K]

Hi All,

As for the full-size, flyable Spitfire replicas, those being constructed appear to fall into one of two primary camps:

1) Marcel Jurca's MJ-100 (and evolutions of such like Bob Deford's example)

2) Clive Du Cros's prototype replica and the Russ Harmuth derivatives.

Of the latter, reports suggest that only Gunther Balz's project has achieved flight. But pictorial evidence seems to have eluded the interweb.

Gunther is based out of Boca Raton, Florida. Have any WIXers witnessed this aircraft and can verify its resistance to gravity? Is it still in the same colors?

Many thanks in advance!

[Sopwith]

Looks very nice, is that a Jurca derivative and what engine is being used? Thanks

[bdk]

Nosed over a year and a half ago:

http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2018/12/e ... ident.html

https://travelforaircraft.wordpress.com ... x-at-boca/

And it has an Allison:

https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquir ... txt=N783GB

[Sopwith]

Thanks bdk,that answers my questions. Sorry to hear that it nosed over.

[Dave Hadfield]

That's the gotcha on a Spitfire -- nose-heavy. We keep the stick back on the ground, use the brakes very gingerly, and keep the RPM down to a minimum on the runup. We also 3-point, not wheel-land.

[JohnB]

DanK
In addition to those replicas you mentioned, isn't there an outfit in Texas which makes kits (nice looking aircraft IIRC), run I believe, by an Australian?

[Dan K]

DanK
In addition to those replicas you mentioned, isn't there an outfit in Texas which makes kits (nice looking aircraft IIRC), run I believe, by an Australian?

John, it sounds like you're remembering Supermarine Aircraft.

The size of their replicas has gradually increased up to around 90% of actual. Wiki does a pretty good job explaining:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermari ... t_Spitfire

[Dan K]

Looks very nice, is that a Jurca derivative and what engine is being used? Thanks

As Brandon already verified, the Gunther Balz example is not from Jurca plans. Its design history begins with the Spitfire prototype replica Clive du Cros built years before. The link is a quick history on Russ Harmuth's part of the story:

https://www.spitfireaircraftworkshop.co ... -builder-1


Here's about the closest thing to a current list of other projects from Russ's Spitfire Aircraft Company:

https://www.spitfireaircraftworkshop.com/about-us