France
Designed or built several novel prototypes between 1906-1914, and after outbreak of First World War produced small number of single-seat monoplanes for artillery spotting for French Army. Last known design was 1916 experimental military biplane with two Gnome engines mounted laterally.
Velocity Aircraft Inc., was formed in 1984 by Danny Maher in Sebastian, Florida, to develop and market a new 4-seat canard aircraft, based upon the successful Long-EZ design. After the prototype flew in July 1985, several kits were sold and close contact was maintained with initial builders to get valuable feedback in areas where the design could be (and subsequently was) improved. The Velocity received rave reviews by all of the flying press, and the 173 “LW” (long wing) model went on to further enhance the Velocity design.
1988:
Velocity Aircraft
200 W. Airport Dr
Sebastian
Florida 32958
USA
One of Danny Maher’s first kits was purchased by Duane Swing and his son Scott Swing, of Dayton, Ohio. After building their first Velocity, the Swings decided to make a retractable gear option available for the kit. In doing so, the Swings had developed a close relationship with Dan Maher. Thus, when Dan decided to sell the business, he first called the Swings. The Swings liked the proven and stable Velocity design so much that they bought the company assets from Dan in 1992 and moved their families to Sebastian.
The Swings immediately established a marketing program to promote the original standard Velocity, while taking the business much further. New avenues were explored to enhance the existing Velocity designs, ranging from the addition of pre-molded kit parts to the gull-wing door, introduced in 1995.
1996-8: 200 W. Airport Dr, Sebastian, FL 32958, USA.
In 2008 Velocity Aircraft announced it had been purchased and would become a subsidiary of the Rocket Racing Group. Duane Swing simply wanted to retire.
1902: (Willard L) Velie Carriage Co.
1908: Velie Motor Co.
More known for his carriages, automobiles and racers, and motors, Velie (grandson of John Deere) also capitalized and manufactured the initial 55-65hp Monocoupe aircraft upon acquisition of controlling interest in Central States Aircraft Co in 1927, hence early popular reference to “Velie Monocoupes” signifying not only the powerplant but the constructor.
When Velie died of an embolism in Oct 1928, his son took the reins but he, too, suffered a heart attack in Mar 1929 and Don Luscombe took over.
1928: Mono-Aircraft Corp (pres: W L Velie),
1616 McGee St,
Moline IL.
USA
Friend NB.
USA
Victor Vejraska built the Vejraska Arrow in 1936.
Vega Airplane Company
USA
Vega Airplane Co was known formerly as Airover Company, Victory Blvd and Empire Ave, Burbank, California, formed at 923 E San Fernando Rd, Burbank, California, as associated company of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in 1937. Began research/development experiments with light aircraft, devising (with Menasco) a unit called Unitwin; two small engines coupled side-byside to drive single propeller flight-tested in Lockheed Altair in 1938. Then designed five/six-seat Starliner twin-tailed low-wing cabin monoplane using similar powerplant. Small batch of radio-controlled targets built in 1939. Factory expanded 1940, and mid-year received contract to build large numbers of Lockheed Ventura bombers for RAF. Then, in conjunction with Boeing and Douglas, mass-produced Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers; became wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed in 1941 as Vega Aircraft Corporation (pres: Courtland S Gross).
From 1941 Vega Aircraft Corp became Vega Airplane Company; continued production of Lockheed-Vega B-34 Ventura twin-engined medium bomber for USAAF/USN/RAF and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress for USAAF between 1941 and 1944. Absorbed into Lockheed Aircraft Corporation 30 November 1943; name Vega abandoned; Vega plant became Lockheed’s Factory A. Ventura B-34 production ended 1943; PV-1 naval version and Boeing B-17 manufacture continued until 1944 under responsibility of Lockheed.
Karlis Irbitis joined electric company Valsts Elektrotechniska Fabrika. In the 1935 he submit proposal to company to built aircraft and aircraft construction division was established in the same year with Irbitis as the head of the division. The very first project was I-11, powered with Minor 90 HP engine and its maiden flight was in July 1936.
Australia
Predecessor of VTOL Aircraft, developing Phillicopter.
1998:
Rua Bruno SEBRA 60 / Jacare
BZ-20971 Rio de Jaieiro
Brazil
UL builder
1982: 394 Somers Rd., Ellington, CT 06029, USA.
1983: Aerodyne Systems Inc, 194 Millers Falls Road, Turners Fails, Massachusetts 01376, USA.
UL builder
USA
Since early 1960s has marketed Vecto Geronimo, an uprated-engine and refined airframe/equipment version of standard Piper Apache. About 31 conversions completed by spring 1965; after death of Vecto’s owner later that year, assets purchased by Geronimo.
All Aero 