08.04.08 Read about MotoPOD LLC on the web:

Read about MotoPOD LLC at  Kitplanes Magazine, Aviation Week or AVweb.

08.04.08 MotoPOD attends Airventure 08: 

MotoPOD LLC displayed its prototype motorcycle pod at Oshkosh last week. The booth attracted significant interest and David Shelton gave his "Flying Motorcycles" presentation at the GAMA forum. The company also announced that it will begin accepting deposits for RV-10 pods. The refundable deposits will be held in escrow until the company begins to deliver products later this year.

07.21.08 Initial flight tests: 

Steven Flattum piloted the company airplane during initial flight tests with the motorcycle pod installed. Larry flew chase in his RV-8 while Steven performed a series of stalls and slips. The effects on handling were minimal and the speed loss in cruise was less than 9 knots. We'll complete more extensive testing after we return from Oshkosh. 

06.04.08 A company Airplane! 

MotoPOD just purchased a beautiful RV-10 and we're working to install our first production pod and complete a flight evaluation before Oshkosh.

05.15.08 Motorcycle Cradle Complete:

The removable motorcycle cradle is finished. It consists of four individual cradles to gently support the motorcycle at the fuel tank, engine, fork and muffler. The cradles will bolt to the floor of the pod and may be removed to reconfigure the pod for other cargo. The picture below shows two of the molds (black) and fnished parts (white).

04.28.08 Steamlined Wheels:

The first set of streamlined rollerblade wheels is finished. These will be attached to the bottom of the pod, allowing it to roll into position beneath the airplane. This is one of many unique features that allow the pod to be installed or removed in just a couple of minutes.

04.14.08 Sun'n Fun Presentation:

David hosted a "Flying Motorcycles" forum at Sun'n Fun. The 45-minute presentation covered a variety of roadable airplane and gyrocopter designs. It also included an introduction to the motorcycle pod and a project update. David has volunteered to share this presentation with local EAA chapters. Contact us to schedule a presentation.

03.28.08 RV-10 Tooling Complete:

We've finished constructing the molds and tooling for the RV-10 pods. Construction of the mold is illustrated below. First, a male plug was carved from foam and covered with fiberglass. The surface was carefully filled, sanded and polished to a class "A" finish. After applying a few coats of wax, a female mold was fabricated directly over the male plug. Finally, the female mold was attached to a rigid steel frame and separated from it's plug.

02.12.08 Attachment/Detachment Demonstration:

The company has demonstrated the quick attach/detach procedure. An integral winch system lifts the pod into position so that it may be secured with latches. The entire process takes 60-120 seconds, compared with 30-45 minutes to install a conventional cargo pod.

01.18.08 Load-testing complete: 

The primary structural components have been load-tested to 8 g's. All parts passed without damage. We'd like to thank the Kaeding family for loaning their hoist and tractor weights.

The following pictures show a carbon fiber beam that forms part of the winch frame and reinforces the floor panel. The 0.46 lb beam is constructed from a foam core with pultruded carbon fiber (320,000 psi tension!) caps and a braided carbon sleeve. The 3ft beam supported approximately 800 pounds while supported from it's ends. 

Top: Close-up of carbon fiber beam.

Bottom: Loading aparatus.

12.20.07 MotoPOD is working on an RV-10 Pod:

MotoPOD is currently developing a cargo pod for the Vans RV-10 with first flights expected in early 2008’. The RV-10 has an experimental airworthiness, allowing us to get pods flying faster without the added cost and hassle of certification. This will be a stepping-stone towards STC’d models later in the year.

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