Brokaw BJ-520 Bullet
Dr. Bergon Brokaw (homebuilt) · United States · first flew 1972 · light aircraft
The Brokaw BJ-520 Bullet is a tandem two-seat high-performance homebuilt aircraft designed by Dr. Bergon Brokaw and first flown in October 1972, claiming the title of fastest homebuilt aircraft at the time. The design has been re-engined multiple times as performance testing continued.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.94 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem two-seat homebuilt with retractable tricycle gear
- High-speed aerobatic design — considered fastest homebuilt on first flight
- Later re-engined with Garrett TPE331 turboprop
The short, stubby fuselage paired with a short-span tapered wing and retractable gear gives a purposeful, compact appearance; the aircraft's successive engine changes make powerplant identification unreliable as a recognition feature.
Specifications
- The Brokaw BJ-520 Bullet has a length of 6.94 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.21 m (24 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Built to explore the upper limits of homebuilt aircraft performance, the Bullet progressed through Continental, Lycoming, and finally a Garrett TPE331 turboprop powerplant over its development life. The retractable undercarriage and aerobatic structural limits pushed homebuilt technology of the early 1970s.
Variants
Three principal engine installations were used: Continental TSIO-520B (310 hp), Lycoming TSIO-541 (380 hp), and Garrett TPE331 turboprop (475 shp).
Where you'll see it
Operated solely as a homebuilt experimental aircraft; no production or military use.
Related aircraft
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