A little history:
Prowler & Jaguar Homebuilt-prototype & Kitplane was originally concieved and designed by Mr. George Morse while living in Santa Cruz, CA. He began dabbling with Automotive V8 power converted for aircraft use in the early-mid 1970s after he had gotten his pilot's license. George used the Oldsmobile 215cid aluminum block V8 producing 225hp. This engine design was sold to Rover and are now ubiquitously used in Europe. Originally, George used a pressure carburator and a Christensen inverted oil system and installed it into his Experimental Skybolt. He perfected his Propeller Speed Reduction Unit (PSRU) and accessory case and decided it was time to design his "dream plane".
George loves WWII fighter airplane designs, and had a concept of combining 4 of his favorite fighters into one scaled-down design. His 4 choices were the NA P-51 Mustang, SM Spitfire, Curtis P-40 & Messerchmitd ME-109. He took the best parts of all 4 fighters and blended them all into a single scaled down aeroplane that could accept his Olds. 215cid Automotive Engine conversion (note the coolant radiators under the wings like the Spitfire). All together, he wanted it to have 2 tandem seats, a cruise speed of 200-250mph with a range of about 1000miles. Fully aerobatic, the first (and only) prototype was christened "Prowler".
Eventually, the design was updated with a slightly wider aft fuselage and an aluminum block Chevy type 350cid (300hp) V8. Increasing the fuel tanks to 60 gallons allowed the new "Jaguar" variant to a Cruise of 250-275mph and a Vne=300mph, while extending the range to 1200sm. Jaguar eventually became a full time Homebuilt/Kitplane business dubbed "Prowler Aviation Inc."
Tomorrow, the current engine variant known as the Chevy LS-1 !
Cabi~
Prowler & Jaguar Homebuilt-prototype & Kitplane was originally concieved and designed by Mr. George Morse while living in Santa Cruz, CA. He began dabbling with Automotive V8 power converted for aircraft use in the early-mid 1970s after he had gotten his pilot's license. George used the Oldsmobile 215cid aluminum block V8 producing 225hp. This engine design was sold to Rover and are now ubiquitously used in Europe. Originally, George used a pressure carburator and a Christensen inverted oil system and installed it into his Experimental Skybolt. He perfected his Propeller Speed Reduction Unit (PSRU) and accessory case and decided it was time to design his "dream plane".
George loves WWII fighter airplane designs, and had a concept of combining 4 of his favorite fighters into one scaled-down design. His 4 choices were the NA P-51 Mustang, SM Spitfire, Curtis P-40 & Messerchmitd ME-109. He took the best parts of all 4 fighters and blended them all into a single scaled down aeroplane that could accept his Olds. 215cid Automotive Engine conversion (note the coolant radiators under the wings like the Spitfire). All together, he wanted it to have 2 tandem seats, a cruise speed of 200-250mph with a range of about 1000miles. Fully aerobatic, the first (and only) prototype was christened "Prowler".
Eventually, the design was updated with a slightly wider aft fuselage and an aluminum block Chevy type 350cid (300hp) V8. Increasing the fuel tanks to 60 gallons allowed the new "Jaguar" variant to a Cruise of 250-275mph and a Vne=300mph, while extending the range to 1200sm. Jaguar eventually became a full time Homebuilt/Kitplane business dubbed "Prowler Aviation Inc."
Tomorrow, the current engine variant known as the Chevy LS-1 !
Cabi~
posted by Cabi~ at 10:40 PM
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