Project Genesis
— Wilbur Wright
Introspection
Having considered various candidates for a "once in a lifetime project", while being both a Mariner and Aviator, I inevitably returned to my aviation roots. A tough personal decision as my interests vary widely encompassing many different disciplines.
In so much as it was necessary for me to abandon a professional aviation career during the stupendous airline purge of the early 1990's, it is of tremendous personal satisfaction to be able to pursue such endeavors at this stage in my life and into the foreseeable future. I also take stock in my good fortune of having been born in a time and place where such personal pursuits are possible.
That having been said, as a professional health care provider, I am also acutely aware of the fact that one's life and plans can abruptly change due to the unexpected. Therefore, it is with both hope and optimism that I shall proceed with this ambitious endeavor while enjoying the journey itself to the fullest. Indeed the very purpose of this website is to document and share the journey.
Joe Perkel
Builders Qualifications (Aeronautical Credentials)
Formal Education
B.S. Professional Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
FAA Airmen Certificates
Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic
Certified Flight Instructor, Airplane Single Engine Land
Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single and Multiengine Land
Instrument Airplane
CAD Proficient in Rhinoceros N.U.R.B.S 3D modeling software
Memberships in Associations
National Association of Flight Instructors
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Experimental Aircraft Association
Seaplane Pilots Association
Project Timeline
Phase I Conceptualization and Planning (2007 – 2012)
Acquisition of original drawings - (completed)
Acquisition of existing full scale WWI replica drawings - (completed)
Build a reference library of period texts - (completed)
Conversion of line drawings to CAD files - (in process)
Virtual assembly of 3d CAD model - (in process)
Phase II Component Fabrication and Preservation (2010 – 2022)
Set-up of component shop and equipment - (in process)
Develop CNC capability as compliment to CAD capability - (in process)
Fabrication, and preservation of individual components - (in process)
Construction and set-up of assembly building and shop
Phase III Aircraft Assembly and Flight (2022 – 2025; post retirement)
Fabrication of wing spars I. Wing Group Top center section ribs Left and right top wing panel ribs Left and right bottom wing panel ribs Ailerons (4) Top and bottom center section spars Wing clips and fittings II. Fuselage Group Cross members Vertical members Engine bearers Instrument panel Seat bearers Pilot’s seat Fuselage clips and fittings III. Undercarriage Group Tail float, fittings and struts Main float internal ribs and bulkheads Main float struts and fittings Land based wheels, struts, and brake system (optional) IV. Empennage Group Vertical stabilizer Horizontal stabilizer internal components Rudder Elevators Tail struts and fittings V. Armament Group Forward firing Vickers gun or upper wing mounted Lewis gun 65 lb H.E.R.L. aerial bombs (2) Bomb rack and release system Le Prieur rockets and launchers (optional) VI. Power Group Main fuel tank, lines and fittings Auxiliary fuel tank lines and fittings False pressure system and gauges for instrument panel Modern firewall panel
Fabrication of fuselage longerons
Assembly of fuselage components
Assembly of wing components
Aircraft final assembly, fitting, and finish
Ground test phase per predetermined syllabus
Flight test phase per predetermined syllabus
Component Shop Fabrication Outline
Control system components
