New ScaleBirds P-36 Replica Kit

The world of experimental aviation offers many options to the prospective builder. New to the market is the ScaleBirds P-36 replica kit Sam Watrous and his son, Scott, have developed. Their unique kit offering allows multiple variations to be developed from a common airframe, an approach that allows multiple replica fighters to be developed from the same basic airframe and components. The initial offering will include a P-40 Warhawk kit along with the P-36. The P-36 is intended for small radial engines, and the prototype has a Verner 7U radial that develops 124 hp. (ScaleBirds is also a Verner distributor.)

According to Sam Watrous, the kit is “very complete” with almost everything except the firewall forward, engine, and propeller. The kit P-36 will include the cowling and the gun sights. As shipped, the kit is a complete airframe with “all of the hard parts done.” Using T6061 aluminum allows for cost savings and corrosion resistance. Control surfaces are fabric covered as was the case on the original P-36, which allows additional weight reduction. The P-36 has fixed gear, but the P-40 will offer retractable gear.

The P-40 is intended for narrow engines such as offerings from Viking, AeroMomentum, Rotax, and others. A replica F6F Hellcat and Japanese Zero are also in development. Watrous envisions “squadrons” of builders in the future, all chasing their dawn patrol in the sky.

The flying P-36 replica prototype is at AirVenture 2022, with beta kits to follow after the show. Initial flight testing has shown some minor issues, including overspeeding of the engine (possibly due to propeller pitch), high cylinder head temperature, and oil blowing out the breather vent tube — all part of the initial test phase for any new aircraft. Flight testing is expected to be complete by late September 2022. Once the test phase is complete, manufacturing improvements will be made for the final design.

ScaleBirds is accepting $1,500 deposits at AirVenture to determine how many prospective builders are interested in the P-36. The beta kit price is initially expected to be in the $40,000 range, and future kits are expected to be in the $45,000 range. Watrous said that for those interested who are unable to attend AirVenture, they can contact him directly at info@scalebirds.com or on his cellphone at 860-941-6410.

ScaleBirds is a family effort, with close friends and the design crew all pitching in to bring an 11-year old dream to fruition. Watrous emphasized the P-36 is a “passion project” with complete commitment to make it work and support the customer.

On the AirVenture grounds, ScaleBirds is in the Homebuilt Aircraft Display area in Booth 632.