What makes an outstanding aircraft?

A standard by which others are measured. The P51, the DC-3, the Bonanza, all milestone aircraft. What are the factors which create such success that the entire world, pilots and non pilots alike recognize their names and shapes? What makes such winners? They are all fast, beautiful, technically elegant and respond to a serious need in the market place. When you see a milestone aircraft you recognize it instantly. It grabs you! Milestone aircraft are as beautiful today as the day they made their first flight. They are timeless.

We would say it is beautiful design, impeccable execution and attention to detail. Attention to details that are all but invisible to the rest of the world. Attention to each and every tiny part and each and every human process. From the primer inside the fuselage to the stitching under the seats to the click factor in a switch. From how you treat a potential customer to how you treat the guy who makes the coffee. Details, Detail, Details.

Roy LoPresti's genius was in the details. He consistently improved Aircraft designs by uncovering those overlooked details and applying his genius. Without strapping on more cylinders and devouring more fuel, Roy was able to release the speed and performance trapped in the design.

Good enough was never enough for Roy. He wanted it all. He wanted the best sport Aircraft ever. One that combined beauty, speed, performance, agility and fun. Fun? Yup, Fun. Roy felt that passion was the prime motivator. The Fury was the result of that passion. It's an airplane that is alive.

The Fury is absolutly a technical masterpiece, a synthesis of the art of aviation design and brilliant technology. Sitting motionless on the ramp, the design makes your blood race. The sliding canopy, control sticks and sleek lines beckon even the most timid pilot to climb aboard. It is a testament to Roy's genius that the Fury sets new standards in control and performance. In initial tests with an Allison engine, the Fury climbs at over 5000 Ft/Min with a top speed of 345 MPH. Whew!

The Fury blends the lines of a WW II fighter with the first modern Biometrically designed cockpit. New technologies which reduce pilot workload and eliminate the most common control errors. Its Biometric systems permit the Fury extraordinary aerobatic agility, yet it can approach a runway with the stability of an airliner.

Flying the Fury is a dream. You just think about the necessary input and the Fury responds. The jet quality control system utilizes push tubes and ball bearings for extremely low friction. This allows separate pitch and roll inputs, providing precise command. All instruments and controls are placed for easy and logical operation and Fury's unique curved instrument panel redefines the science of data input to the pilot.

The performance goal for Fury was specified early in the design phase. A top speed of over 217 MPH on modest power and a cruise speed of over 200 MPH with a fuel consumption of 10.5 gallons per hour provides efficient cross country performance. Aerobatic capability, the ability to carry two adults in comfort while accommodating up to 100 pounds of baggage, including golf clubs, and a range of 1000 miles makes the Fury truly versatile.

Roy designed the Fury to be his personal ultimate aircraft, so extraordinary that you would want to fly it at every opportunity. Roy loved great designs. Ferrari's or Leicas, he intuitively understood what made them great. More importantly he understood the relationship between a great design and its new owner. He called it the "walk away" test. If every time you walked away, you HAD to look back, just one more time, then the design was right.

Roy got the Fury exactly right. I know because I keep looking back every time.