G'day Folks,
Not sure I consider the aircraft division a 'folly'. The Millicer design was fantastic and the airtourer a force to be reckoned with.
The reason why the aircraft division was unprofitable is believed to be because the major Yankee players (Cessna and Piper) were dumping machines on the Australian market in an effort to cripple the local player who fought for, and failed to achieve tariff protection. Also, the development costs for an aircraft are huge, and it takes a considerable amount of time in the marketplace to absorb these costs. Victa just wasn't out there fop long enough to do this.
Although I can't confirm it, I've heard said that one of these yank players felt sufficiently threatened by this aircraft they got hold of one and dismantled and examined it in detail to see what they were up against.
The merit of the machine and design and ultimately Merv's faith in it is born out in that the CT4, which is a variant of the 4-seat Aircruiser that Victa was developing when the aviation division was closed went on to be produced for a long time by the Kiwis (who bought the aviation division.
This is a very typical story in Australian manufacturing history.
I also wonder just how much Merv's personal faith in, and financial backing of the aviation division had a part to play in the sad story of his falling out with his family and accountants that lead to him basically walking away with nothing.
Last edited by prd; 07/04/16 09:00 AM.
