Given Jim Bede's past record of delivery on promises (not to mention parts, kits and assistance) in the last 30 or so years I would not be the first in line to put down money for a "delivery slot"...
Just my personal observation.
Chris
BD-1 (AA1x) owner...
Seems like a RV-6 does everything that the BD-18 would, only the RV is better looking.
Also, wasn't the BD-18 what he titled his jet-powered homebuilt?
I think the jet was the BD-10. The BD-17 (a recent single seater) can (allegedly) be built in two weeks. Try that with an RV. It's a different niche, I guess.
Sad how someone's reputation follows him all his life.
Dealing with Jim Bede should be on a "COD" basis -- and not a penny paid until every single component is in your hands and confirmed IAW with specs/contract. He's a great designer, but has never demonstrated anything but financial incompetence at running a business and failure to deliver as promised.
Hey, I'm not interested in building one, just thought it was a good, solid concept. I'm aware of his BD-5 fiasco. And the single-seat BD-17 is real - they had it at Sun-N-Fun but wouldn't let anyone sit in the cockpit without undue hassle, which turned me off of their whole company.
With so many good homebuilt designs and kits available now a builder has the luxury of weeding through the Bede's and dealing with a reputable company. Good for us.