Which airframe?

[corbob13]

I'm sure this is like the Ford v. Chevy question, but which airframes work well for VW racing. I'm familiar with the Sonerai and V-Witt, and also know about some Formula One aircraft like the Cassutt and others. Was there any standout design from the Formula Vee era? If not how would those in the know characterize the different designs.

I already have plans for the Sonerai 2, and I'm pretty sure plans for the V-Witt are still available, but how about others? Hopefully this turns into a fun and informative discussion...

Cory

[Supervee]

Hello Cory, and Welcome...
As for the best airframe for Racing, I am assuming you want to build rather than buy..... first of all, you have to decide what medium of construction you are familiar with, and want to work with.
The Sonerai 1 is hands down the most plentiful machine, due largely to John Monnett's original component parts array. Today, preformed components are still available thru Steve and Linda at GPASC.....The Sonerai 1 is the most 'experienced ' racer on the FV racecourses from 1977 thru 1997. The Sonerai 1 has an easier to build aluminum wing than others.
The Wittman V-witt was built in far fewer numbers than the Sonerai. The wing, plywood skinned, wire braced, is expensive and more diffiicult to build than the Son. wing. The V-Witt does have a very light and clean fuselage in it's favor. The use of some .028 wall tubing in the structure does make it more difficult to weld than the Sonerai, which uses 'mostly' 5/8" x .035 tubing......
The Cassutt 111M, if built with the 17' sport wing, is a strong, good choice, although, like the V-witt, the plywood skinned wing is $$$ to build....Plywood, 4' x 8' sheets are a couple hundred each, and you need four of them....No Cassutt has been modified and raced in FV type/Supervee events YET. 'Parts' for the Cassutt are fairly readily available, even tho the design is , as of today, in limbo, and for sale with the demise of Ib Hansen, the Owner.
The Renegade, a 'Cassutt type' FV, has been used, In one form, in FV racing before, for a few years. It is in the same limbo as the Cassutt, as the design was also owned by Ib.
The 'Veebee', Is my entry into the field, is very Cassutt-like, but is not finished and proven yet. I do feel, that it will be very competitive in Supervee once done. I DO plan to offer plans, and components, at that time, but that's a couple years out.
Original Designs......I own one, the Wood SL-1, which is very 'V-Wittish', and is under a restoration. There are no plans available. If you have the Knowledge, there is nothing wrong with a design of your own, but If you are a first time builder, I guess I would, at this time, recommend the Sonerai 1. There are several Mods to the Sonerai that will make it lighter and faster, but they are in my brain, and not in plans form....Contact me at [e-mail] if you want to discuss this topic in more detail.....Ed Fisher

[Supervee]

Cory, Have you looked into the Sonerai 1 since I responded to your post? Ed F.

[Supervee]

Airframe Update.....I have made an offer to the Ib Hansen estate to acquire the 'Renegade' Design rights and name. We do not have the answer at this time, but when we do, I will be providing an update here, and details as to what will be happening......Ed Fisher