Design and Development
The Edgley Optica was designed by John Kelsey Edgley and a small team at Edgley Aircraft Limited. Conceived as a specialized low-speed observation platform, the aircraft was intended to serve as an economical substitute for helicopters in roles where hovering was not a requirement. The design is most notable for its unique configuration, featuring a pod-like fuselage for maximum visibility and a rear-mounted ducted fan. The prototype first took to the air on December 14, 1979.
Technical Specifications
The aircraft is powered by a Textron Lycoming IO-540-V4A5D piston engine producing 260 hp (approximately 190 kW). This engine drives a five-bladed fixed-pitch ducted fan located at the rear of the fuselage. The Optica has a wingspan of 12.00 meters and a length of 8.15 meters, with a crew capacity of three. Its fuel system provides a useful capacity of 250 liters. In terms of performance, the aircraft reaches a maximum speed of 213 km/h and a cruise or loiter speed of 130 km/h. It is capable of maintaining a service ceiling of 4,275 meters and has a rate of climb of 4.1 m/s. The aircraft's endurance is rated at 8 hours when flying at loiter speed, with a total range of 1,056 km including 45-minute reserves.
Production and Manufacturer History
Production of the Optica began in the United Kingdom, with the first production aircraft flying in August 1984. Manufacturing took place at the Old Sarum facility in Wiltshire. However, production was limited and ended by 1985 following a fatal accident and a fire that destroyed the Old Sarum works. Because of these events, the aircraft was produced in only small, limited numbers.
Following the original production run by Edgley Aircraft Limited, the manufacturing and design rights transitioned through several owners, including FLS Aerospace (Lovaux Ltd). In October 2007, John Edgley and three former employees established AeroElvira Limited to acquire the rights. As of the current records, AeroElvira Limited remains an active company dedicated to the manufacture of aircraft and related machinery.
Service History and Legacy
Designed for civil application, the Optica was marketed for aerial photography, policing, border patrol, fire spotting, and wildlife management. While Lovaux considered developing a military trainer role for the related Sprint aircraft, this was never adopted, and the Optica saw no wartime service. The aircraft's legacy is defined by its unconventional approach to ISR-style platforms. A notable surviving example, registered as G-BOPO, was restored by AeroElvira and returned to flight on June 3, 2008.