Raytheon Starship

[carlson15]

I saw a documentary on TV a few weeks ago regarding the Starship.

To my complete surprise, about 4 days later while driving to the local

post office, I heard the roar of engines and looked up... I did a

double take, a triple take, and then just stopped my car and watched

this sleek beauty streak across the sky above me. The plane was

flying at very low altitude, so there was no doubt what I

saw. I live in Siloam Springs, Arkansas (Northwest

Arkansas). I am curious as why and what the chances are of seeing

one of these planes in my home town.

[carlson15]

I stand corrected. What I saw was a Piaggio P-180. Thanks to Robert Scherer for the info.

[Mario]

they are pretty rare - were way ahead of it's time. I used to fly freight out of Great Bend, Kansas back in 1999- they used to store the unsold ones there - pilots came once a month and run the engines - they always let me sneak in and watch. I wish they had done a better job of marketing to keep them alive - sure beats the King Air in my book.

[KLEB_Tower]

Nearly all of the Starships have been bought back by Raytheon. Only 1 maybe 2 are still flying. The only one I have ever seen still flying is N514RS based at SNA is used to fly as a chase plane for Burt Rutan.

[kenmod]

Gentlemen,

The Starship burned more fuel, flew slower, had less useful load, was heavier and landed faster than the King Air. The market spoke.

Ken