One and only Scaled Composites CM-144
Vehicle Description
Today I offer to you, the one and only Scaled Composites CM-144 aircraft ever built. Registered serial number 001. Built in 1987 by Scaled Composites, inc. in Mojave CA as a high altitude, long endurance UAV platform under Project Sky dancer. Apparently, a joint venture between the Army and Air force (there is an article on the project with pictures of this aircraft in the National Geographic) the aircraft was built for California Microwave (a division of Northrup Grumman) with hard points and a glass nose fitted with infrared cameras. She was flown back and forth between military bases for air shows and demonstration flights, but ultimately the project was canceled and the aircraft was discarded. Somehow, this aircraft fell into the hands of a private pilot and was saved from the cutting block and it was there that I found and purchased the aircraft.
Built on the basic design of the famous Long EZE, the CM144 is both significantly larger and heavier. Equipped with a Lycoming TIO360-C1AD 210 Turbocharged engine and 92 gallons of usable fuel, her published max service ceiling is 30000 ft. (FL300) and on 08 Dec 88, was flown to an astonishing 32,592 feet. Other than what is in the logbooks, there is very little that can be found out about this aircraft. I made an attempt to contact Scaled Composites, but was told firmly that the aircraft had been destroyed and no longer existed. A basic historical note can be found on the scaled composites web page about the aircraft, but other than that, nothing. I do have complete aircraft and engine/prop logs, POH, and normal/emergency checklists. I also have what was coined “the baby book” which is a very detailed photo journal of the assembly and flight testing phases. There are photos of Burt Rutan sitting in the hull during build and Mike Melville at the controls during one of the test flights.
Understand, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own not only one of the most unique aircraft flying today but a truly beautiful piece of aviation history. You will not find another aircraft like this one and will be amazed at the attention this aircraft draws. Please do not contact me if you are not serious. Do not expect this aircraft to be of the same caliber as that of a Cessna or piper. This plane flies like a dream, but requires constant attention in the air and has higher landing and takeoff speeds than most other aircraft of it's size. This plane must go to a good home with an owner that realizes the value of this unique machine. She would make the perfect air show bird. This plane is not in perfect condition; she is in primer awaiting a paint job and still needs a little touch up work before that can happen. A conditional inspection is required and may be performed at the buyer/seller's discretion before the sale. I will be happy to check out the buyer in the aircraft. Seller in no way assumes any guarantee, liability after sale. Aircraft will be sold as is and buyer accepts full and total responsibility of aircraft.
There is way WAY too much information to list here, but I will give you some of the basics. Please feel free to contact me at TUNAFISH778@yahoo.com for more information.
Gross weight -2600 lbs.(takeoff)
Empty weight -1727lbs.
Range – 1500NM
Cruise – 160Kts. @11,500
Max Endurance 20+Hours@15,000ft. @90 IAS.
Wingspan – 33ft.
Length – 23ft.
Retractable Nose Gear VLO- 120 kts.
VMA – 150 kts.
VNE- 200 kts.