5 May 2021
An astonishing ‘barn find’ has surfaced on ebay: a Bede BD-5 kitplane, the propeller powered version of the Bede mini-jet as flown in the James Bond film, Octopussy.
The aircraft is up for auction in ‘as found’ condition after being found in the garage of an elderly gentleman in Beckenham, Kent, according to the seller.
A quick search on G-INFO reveals Malcolm Donald McQueen registered a Bede BD-5G, the piston-powered version of the BD-5, in 1981 as G-BJPI. It doesn’t appear to have been completed or flown.
The eBay ad says there are spare parts with the aircraft and complete build instructions. “It will need some work to get back to pristine condition but what a project!” says the ad. “The whole plane will fit into a Luton van. Collection only from Beckenham, south London.”
Looking at the parts, the engine looks to be a 793cc Hirth Model 230R ‘Honker’ aircooled two-stroke, producing 70hp and normally used in snowmobiles of the period.
Does anyone know more about Malcolm McQueen and his Bede BD-5G kitplane project?
5 comments
Not much practical use buying this in the UK, other than as a hangar ornament, since the refusal of CAA officials to grant a Permit to Fly for either the Bede 5B (propeller version) or the Bede 5J (et version).
It’s probably legal in Germany Checkoslovakia well actually the check Republic or Slovakia now
https://www.pilotweb.aero/news/bede-bd-5-in-fatal-crash-in-ireland-1-4170905
Malcolm started building this plane about twenty five years, ago it was to be powered by a Volkswagen engine but must have changed his mind, maybe it was too difficult to modify , he stopped working on it after a few years as he lived on his own after his mother died , when started building the plan he was very excited about the project and we would discus how too make various parts he used fly when worked in newcastle
So what’s he going to do with the unfinished kit plans is it for sale.?? Affordable and how much to ship it to the USA ???