Tiger Aircraft in Chapter 7

[kwmoore]

Perhaps not too surprising; ANN story here. (http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=7fd4c594-cae5-4867-9e36-e47a5739869c&) I have about 60 hr in Tigers and they are a delight to fly. Ahead of its time in the mid-late '70's, the Tiger got the most speed-for-the-horsepower of any plane in its class, achieving an honest 135-140 KTAS with a carbureted 180 hp O-360; allowing it to fly past several light retractables of the time (e.g. Cutlass, Arrow). The handling was really nice: light, well harmonized, but still a decent IFR platform. The sliding canopy was fun too, one could motor around at 112 kt or less with it partially open and enjoy the breeze. Visibility is excellent and it is one of the nicest landing planes I have ever flown. If you have a chance to get checked out in one, take the opportunity because you'll really enjoy it.

There were a few shortcomings: the cabin was not as roomy as some competitors, there was no way to stay dry when loading or unloading in the rain, engine cooling could be an issue on hot days. The airframe is a low parasite drag but high induced drag design, giving good cruise efficiency at the cost of takeoff/climb performance that deteriorates rapidly as density altitude increases.

Thirty years later it is still sweet to fly but is a dated design and inferior value proposition as a new aircraft compared to other offerings in its class (SR20, DA40).

Too bad. It's sad to see another GA manufacturing company go under. :(

[nworth]

It's unfortunate, true, but for every Tiger and Liberty there seems to be at least two new or resurgent manufacturers like:

1. Columbia
2. Mooney
3. Diamond
4. Cirrus
5. Adam (thinking of A500)

Also, the activity in the experimental and LSA arenas is very interesting. Increasingly professional all the way around.

The VLJ frenzy, though it is sure to have casualties, is another example of new energy and life in GA.

There's even, if rumors are to be believed, Cessna with the apparently soon to be shown NGP.

Cast your mind back 15 years and today's situation is, overall, filled with more new planes and far more energy than in years.

Really, in my mind, cause for optimism.

[kwmoore]

Click here. (http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=0e559178-8ac7-42f9-a2d3-2314f1596598&)

I agree that overall there is cause for optimism--lots of innovation and new companies compared to the Dark Ages of the '80s-'90s. Of course, as in any other industry, Darwin will work in the marketplace, and companies with uncompetitive products, insufficient financial backing, poor management or all of these will fail.

The Tiger is a fine product that has been plagued by poor management, poor marketing or unfortunate market conditions throughout its history. :(