The Sport Performance Aviation LLC Panther is a versatile, mid-sized, single seat low wing Sport or LSA aerobatic airplane with quick fold wings. The Panther is designed for handling manners and gentleman aerobatics, combining looks, handling and critical build elements meant to keep the cost down.
The base kit was $15,995 and that includes pre-drilled aluminum wing skins, a steel fuselage structure that’s been fully welded and powder coated, the canopy and landing gear legs. The Panther is built around the Corvair six-cylinder engine and that helps keep costs down; however, other engines in the 80–160 hp range can be used. Powerplant options include Continental C-85 thru 0-200, Lycoming 0-235 thru 0-320 (Panther Sport), UL power, Jabiru 3300.
Two Panther versions were available: one with 93 square feet of wing for LSA compliance and one with a smaller, 85-square-foot wing for better performance. Total build cost was $28–50k.
Construction
6061 aluminum / flush blind rivets (solid optional)
4130 steel tube construction from seat back to firewall. All critical attachment points like Landing gear, wing pin, engine mount, 5 point harness, ballistic chute, rollover bar, control Hard points etc. will be welded in the fixture. This allows quick accurate construction of all Critical points.
Skinned in AL
Quick easy to build tail cone rivets/bolts on to the forward fuselage
Simple control surface design
Simple strong wing spar with only seven components per spar (plus bolts/rivets)
The Panther features
Quick (2 min or less) easy single person wing fold, no controls to disconnect
Fit in 18ftx7x7 space (trailer) when folded
Large cockpit with adjustable rudder pedals and seat back, room for big guys and a parachute
Forward (2cu ft) and rear baggage area
Pilot rollover protection
Ballistic chute capable
Bubble canopy replaceable by small windshield and skirt for open cockpit flying
excellent visibility
Panther
Engine: Corvair/3.0L, 100hp @ 3100 rpm
Propeller: Sensenich/Wood over Composite, 2-blade
Wingspan: 23 ft 6 in
Maximum gross weight: 1115 lb
Typical empty weight: 725 lb
Typical useful load: 425 lb
Fuel capacity: 27 gal
Full-fuel payload: 262 lb
Wing loading: 11.8 lb/sq. ft
Baggage capacity: 40 lb
Max speed: 170 mph
Cruise speed: 165 mph @8000ft
Stall speed (landing configuration): 46 mph
Stall speed (clean): 51 mph
Maximum rate of climb: 1500 fpm
Takeoff distance (to 50 ft agl): 1000 ft
Landing distance (from 50 ft agl): 1200 ft
Seats: 1
Cabin width: 28 in
All Aero 