Is Jim Bede a Failure?
In this in-depth video, we explore the intriguing and complex story of Jim Bede, an aircraft engineer whose innovations and designs left a lasting impact on the world of aviation. Bede's journey, marked by both ground-breaking successes and notable challenges, has made him a subject of debate: was he a failure or a genius? During the 1970s, Jim Bede became a prominent figure among pilots, with his designs generating excitement and, at times, disappointment. Despite facing hurdles in fulfilling his promises, Bede's charisma and likable nature were undeniable.
We delve into the essence of Bede's character, examining whether his grand visions were a product of inherent drive or nurtured from childhood. Bede's career began at North American Aviation, contributing to significant projects during the Cold War era. His venture into creating accessible light aircraft led to the creation of the BD-1, a novel kit aircraft concept.
This video explores Bede's innovative techniques in light aviation, including the use of bonding and lightweight materials, and his vision to make flying accessible to the average person. We also examine the challenges Bede faced, from the slow progress of his BD-1 turning into the AA-1 under American Aviation to his ambitious yet troubled BD-5 project. Bede's business acumen, or lack thereof, is scrutinized, revealing the complexities of transitioning from kit production to full aircraft production.
The video also highlights Bede's later years, including his comeback with the BD-10J and the challenges he faced with FAA certifications and technical issues. We explore how his son, Jim Bede Jr., brought stability to Bedecorp, allowing the company to thrive in the Light Sport Aircraft category.
Join us in this compelling journey through Jim Bede's life, filled with innovation, ambition, and controversy. Discover the impact of Bede's designs on aviation and how his legacy continues through the work of Bedecorp and the Bede family's dedication to aviation education.
Remember to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more fascinating stories about aviation's most intriguing figures. Thank you for your support and for joining us on this exploration of Jim Bede's legacy.
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Great video...many thanks. I took me by a great pleasnt surprise to see my airplane BD4 G-BYLS on show.... I still regularly fly it.......
I was 16 when I met Jim at Oshkosh in 91 period he had just completed the new jet. He gave me a piece of honeycomb just like it was made of and spent the afternoon talking to me. Such a nice guy and so likeable. I had no idea he was behind the Grumman tiger. But it makes sense. Thanks for such a good video
Jim Bede also designed the Pulse autocycle, This was an enclosed motorcycle which is shown briefly near the end of the video. About 350 of these motorcycles were built. There are still about 200 of them still on the road. I owned one for a few years. I never saw a vehicle attract so much attention on the road. It was fun but wasn't really practical.
I flew the AA-Yankee when it first came out and it was sporty and faster than a Cessna 150, my father also flew it and he liked it as well.
My father bought a BD8 kit (serial number 1) and was in the build process when he passed away in 1995. I peddled it for about a year in Trade-A-Plane before selling it to Ray Ward of TX, who was going to put a small block Chevy V8 engine in it. I dont believe Ray ever completed it as it is still comes up as registered to Harold Ellis of Plantation, FL.
I actually met Jim Bede at Oshkosh (Airventure) I spent time at length asking him questions about the BD-5. (Why? I have one kit) :) I made room for the BD-10J in my extra garage to assemble. But The -10 went out of production before I could obtain one.
Mr Bede was a pioneer...... Failure is in the eye of the beholder... He did alright... Great video. .
I did fly the Grumann Tiger for a bit, I actually liked the airplane.
Maybe talk to some of the people who worked for him in the 70’s. There was a guy who later built airplanes in Mojave that might change this whole video.
I think I might know which guy you’re talking about. Founded a company with a name that makes it sound like they build model airplanes, but their craft are just a bit better built and just a bit safer than Bede’s stuff. Then there’s the ethics elephant in the room.
From 1984 to 1992, I grew up in and around Mojave, CA.
During the part where the video talks about Jim Bede Jr., the person shown in the video isn't Jim Jr., but rather their lead engineer, Tim Becker. In one shot, Jim's brother, Jeff is also shown.
11:08 That's Boeing's Red Hawk right there ! The BD-10J
Ask Burt Rutan
Burt Rutan video is coming soon though 😊☺️😊☺️
Heyy Dwayne Please what's your voice over app?
I don't use an app
I have only seen 3 of his designs actually fly myself, the Yankee, 5j, and 4. All of which fulfilled their design objectives. At Oshkosh I saw the prototype of an acrobatic Bede design featuring elevons (full flying horizontal tail surfaces that would control both pitch and roll) which I thought was quite innovative. He was a very innovative and creative man who didn't do well with the business side.
Other's that flew, the BD-2 (experimental, record setting endurance flight), the XBD-2 experimental research aircraft, the BD-6, BD-8, BD-9, BD-10, BD-12, BD-17, BD-18 as well as the BD-22. He also designed and flew the BD Wing.
The Bede5 turbo-jet was skipped over with no adequate reason as to why..Depicted in the Roger Moore/James Bond film opening scene of Octopussy, was it ever a practical option as a light jet ?
Not practical, fuel consumption too high. Flies well for airshow demonstrations for a half hour.
@@PRH123 Thank you for that.. looked a great little personal transport vehicle :>)
@@jamesgraham6122 Bede later worked on larger 2 place versions, propellor driven, but I don't think they ever got past the concept phase.
Course he was a success. Without the BD8, we would never would’ve gotten the Rutan very viggan.
At least 1 or his designs entered production. Not a failure. He definitely made some mistakes though. He chose an engine that wasn't strong enough initially with the BD-5. He didn't pay that much attention to detail when it came to design, at least in the case of the BD-5. Bede needed a manager. He should have thought of the financial aspects too. The BD-10 was too much of a niche product. You need special training for it.
Failure or genius? Both IMHO, for all the reasons outlined in this video.
A successful dreamer, schemer, and promotor. A failure as a businessman, and ethics.
Somehow there is no mention as to the modified BD-5 in 007 Moonraker featuring the ACROSTAR BD-5J MICROJET (“BedeJet”) made by J.W. “Corley” Fornhof and Jim Bede. That was before the BD-10 and was the forerunner of what was to come. Using a French-made Micro-turbo TRS jet engine, the BedeJet was simply terrific and showed us what a brilliant engineer Jim Bede was! As briefly alluded to at the beginning of the video here, it was Jim Bede who had a major part in the making of the McDonnell Douglas Fantom II of Vietnam fame. Had he remained with corporate America, rather than venture off into business as an entrepreneur, he very well would have gone on to do even better for himself and the country! Not that he didn’t make a contribution while in his own, either. It was while part of Bede’s team that we eventually would get to see the likes of Burt Rutan who, for his part, used the MicroJet as part of the AD-1 (Ames-Dryden-1) “oblique wing,” as part of a NASA funded experiment conducted out of Dryden Air Force Base. Had it not been for pioneers like Bede and others who came before as well as after him, we would not have the kind of American ingenuity and spirit that makes the nation the strongest and most innovative!
Genius or failure? Sounds like a false binary. Makes about as much sense as salamander or insomniac
After Jeana Yeager and Dick Rutan flew the Voyager around the world. They gave Mojave High School the money to open an aircraft shop. Where kids can learn about aircraft. It was a 2 year program. The second year, the class built a Long-Ez airplane, a Rutan design. We than pushed the airplane out to the airport. Where Dick would do a high speed taxi. Your grade was depented on Dick's response.
"American Avaition"?
Yes
If he wasn't a success, no one would care about whether he is a failure. LOL!
Бестолковая компоновка с большими потерями на балансировку и разносом масс по оси Х . Внимания не стоит от слова совсем . Немецкие проекты более интересные и профессиональные .