Tuesday 24 July 2012

Homegrown Single Seat Homebuilt Aircraft of New Zealand (5) - L M Harris Spitfire U/L

L M (Harry) Harris of Tauranga is an experienced homebuilt aircraft builder, having built KR 2 ZK-JLW and Lancair ZK-MHS as well as assisting in other composite aircraft projects.  In between these 2 aircraft he taught himself aircraft design and aerodynamics and designed his neat little Rotax 582 powered fibreglass microlight Spitfire replica.  It is loosely to scale but has the unmistakeable Spitfire looks, especially in the air when its undercarriage is retracted.

The photo from the Keith Morris collection shows the Spitfire elliptical wing and was taken at the 2002 SANZ flyin at Matamata.

ZK-JNM (c/n 002) was registered to Harry Harris on 29/1/02, and is still owned by him.  It is frequently seen at airshows and flies very well.

I understand that this might not be the last Spitfire replica to be built by Harry Harris.

2 comments:

  1. How can i get hold of Mr Harris.
    I have some questions on a similar project i am busy with.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know how to get a hold of Mr. Harris, but this looks very much like an isaacs spitfire. Plans can be had at https://services.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/node/2235

      Delete