Panther Sport Aircraft Forums

Hey Tony! Long time no see...and I see you have been busy building stuff! I loved the RV-8A, but I sold it and bought a Yak 52, then sold that a couple years ago though. I'm thinking it's time for a new project. How about a Cougar trike!?

Bill

Well, well, well. Bill VonDane! Welcome! For those that don't recognize the name, Bill started Sonexbuilders, a Yahoo Sonex group back in 1999. He also built an RV with the big wheel in front. Start working on a tailwheel checkout, Bill!

Tony

Someone should do renderings of the trike version of both!

It is likely that the Cougar tail will be identical to the Panther, but until the design is proven we do not recommend taking the risk that there may be changes.

Could one start building a Panther tail and wing then switch to a Cougar when it becomes available?

The overlays show the differences quite well. My wife Edi and I are both short so there is an added bonus in terms of usable interior room. It won't happen overnight but ought to be a good follow on project to the Pietenpol.

Harold

It was exciting to see a profile drawing of the Cougar earlier today. I wanted to compare it with the Panther so I did an overlay. I was surprised to see how similar they both look. A few differences I noticed:

- Canopy has a steeper rake. I recall reading the Panther may be getting a different canopy?
- Roll bar is reinforced from the front
- Gear seems higher
- Surprisingly little difference in length

The Cougar looks just as beautiful as the Panther and it was nice to get a glimpse of a plane I hope to build.