Development and Design Philosophy
Dan Weseman, owner of Sport Performance Aviation LLC, designed the Panther to fill a specific niche in the experimental aircraft market: an affordable, aerobatic-capable homebuilt that could meet Light Sport Aircraft requirements while offering superior low-speed handling characteristics. The aircraft's innovative design incorporates foldable wings for convenient hangar storage and transport, addressing a common concern among sport aircraft owners with limited facilities.
The Panther's construction employs a hybrid approach, utilizing welded 4130 steel tubing for the forward fuselage structure, including an integral rollover bar for safety, while the aft fuselage, tail surfaces, and wings are built from 2024-T3 aluminum. This combination provides structural strength where needed while maintaining reasonable weight and construction simplicity for amateur builders.
Engine Flexibility and Performance
One of the Panther's distinguishing features is its remarkable engine compatibility, accepting powerplants ranging from 80 to 160 horsepower. Sport Performance Aviation's expertise in Chevrolet Corvair automotive engine conversions influenced the prototype's powerplant selection, with the converted Corvair engine producing approximately 105 to 120 horsepower at 3,100 rpm. Alternative engine options include Continental O-200 and O-240 series, Lycoming O-233 and O-235, Franklin 4B-235, UL Power, and Jabiru 3300 engines.
The aircraft offers configurable landing gear arrangements, allowing builders to choose between tricycle and taildragger configurations based on their preferences and operating environment. Performance varies with engine selection, but typical examples achieve cruise speeds between 140 and 160 knots, with stall speeds as low as 44 knots true airspeed.
Production and Builder Community
Since the prototype's first flight in 2013, Sport Performance Aviation has delivered 25 Panther kits to builders worldwide. The first customer-built example, constructed by Bob Wooley and registered as N109L, completed its maiden flight on August 5, 2015, from Haller Airpark in North Florida. Wooley's successful 25-minute test flight validated the design's builder-friendly construction approach.
More recent completions include a 2024 example built by a retired surgeon over three years, requiring approximately 1,000 construction hours. This builder chose the Panther to supplement his Beechcraft Bonanza A36, seeking the pure sport flying experience that only a single-seat aerobatic aircraft can provide. The aircraft received its airworthiness certificate on January 18, 2024, and flew six days later.
Variants and Specifications
Sport Performance Aviation offers two primary variants: the Panther Sport and Panther LSA. The Sport variant features a 21.5-foot wingspan and accommodates the full engine power range up to 160 horsepower, achieving maximum speeds of 180 miles per hour with a never-exceed speed of 200 miles per hour. The LSA variant extends the wingspan to 23.5 feet and limits engine power to maintain Light Sport Aircraft compliance, restricting maximum cruise speed to 120 knots.
Both variants maintain impressive aerobatic capabilities with G-limits of +6/-3 to +6/-4.5 depending on configuration. Empty weights range from 650 to 750 pounds, with maximum gross weights of 1,115 to 1,150 pounds. Fuel capacity varies from 21 to 27.5 gallons, providing adequate range for typical sport flying missions.
The Manufacturer Legacy
Sport Performance Aviation LLC continues operations from its Green Cove Springs, Florida facility, focusing on Panther kit production and customer support. The company's specialization in Corvair engine conversions, including optional fifth crankshaft bearing modifications, demonstrates their commitment to reliable powerplant solutions for experimental aircraft builders.
Priced at approximately $19,995 for complete kits, the Panther represents accessible entry into aerobatic sport flying. The company maintains active builder support through 2024, with production continuing as demand warrants. Weseman has indicated that SPA will optimize the Panther design before advancing other projects like the proposed Cougar variant.
Current Status and Future
The Panther has established itself within the experimental aircraft community as a viable option for builders seeking aerobatic capability in a single-seat package. While 25 units represents modest production numbers compared to more established kit aircraft designs, the Panther's specialized role and relatively recent introduction explain this scale. The active builder community and ongoing manufacturer support suggest continued, if limited, production for the foreseeable future.
The aircraft's emphasis on folding wings, engine flexibility, and LSA compatibility positions it well within current general aviation trends toward more accessible sport flying options.