Sunseeker I

Sunseeker I, the inaugural aircraft produced by designer‑builder Eric Scott Raymond, first took to the skies in spring 1973. Conceived as a versatile, low‑cost platform for recreational pilots, the single‑engine monoplane combined a wooden‑covered, semi‑monocoque fuselage with a sleek, 10‑meter wingspan that incorporated laminar flow airfoils. Powered by a 115‑horsepower Continental O‑200, the Sunseeker I delivered a cruising speed of 115 kt and a range of 500 nm, while its fixed tricycle landing gear offered forgiving ground handling. Raymond’s emphasis on modular construction allowed owners to replace panels and upgrade avionics without major disassembly, a feature that quickly earned the type a reputation for adaptability. The aircraft’s all‑metal control surfaces and a simple, push‑rod linkage contributed to its reliability and low maintenance requirements. Although only eighty units were completed, the Sunseeker I helped popularize the home‑built movement in the United States, illustrating that high‑performance handling could coexist with affordable construction. Its influence is evident in subsequent light‑sport designs that adopted similar composite wing structures and user‑serviceable systems. Today, restored examples frequently appear at vintage air shows, serving as a testament to Raymond’s innovative spirit and the aircraft’s lasting impact on general aviation.

Eric Scott Raymond

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