Bryan Hebert has a biplane called " Alferma " that has retracts. Of course having them in the bottom wing is what makes it possible. A current design monoplane with retracts just wouldn't work.

I'm quite sure that to most guys the current crop of pattern airplanes look very similar. When you start throwing in the different construction materials used, different airfoils, power sources and even how they need to be set up you actually end up with airplanes that are quite unique.

I place my own Divergent in the " Stand Alone " category. My design is the only bipe that uses a two peice upper wing. The reason for this is a more rigid fuselage. Most bipes have a hatch that runs from the nose to the trailing edge of the upper wing. That creates flexibility and requires a heavier layup to get the strength back. As of right now the Divergent has the potential to be the lightest bipe on the market. My current model RTF is 4500 grams. That is with a motor and ESC that are considered on the heavy side and a full paint job as compared to a painted fuselage/film covered wings and stabs. If somone wanted to go all out a 4300 gram ( 9.5 lb ) airplane is possible. There is a bit of uniqueness going on with the wing airfoils as well that I will keep as proprietary for now but is used to help with constant speed during maneuvers and makes for a very locked in feel.

I hope that will dispel the cookie cutter, all the designers are playing follow the leader comments. As for the actual shape that some feel is " ugly ", I can't change what people see. The airplane was built to compete in the current format of AMA pattern in the advanced and masters classes. To be competitive you need the right tool for the job. That is why all forms of auto racing have budgets for R&D, you're not going to show up at Daytona with a 1980 era NASCAR and lead the pack.