Aerocar Micro-IMP

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The Aerocar Micro-IMP was a light sportsplane developed from the successful Mini-IMP homebuilt. Designed by Moulton Taylor and Jerry Holcomb in 1978, it was finished in 1981 and demonstrated at Oshkosh the following year.

A unique feature of the aircraft was that it was built out of fibreglass-reinforced paper - it was intended that the aircraft "kit" would be marketed printed on paper. The builder would cut out the parts and laminate them between fibreglass mats to build up the structure of the aircraft!

The Micro-IMP was ultimately a disappointment because its powerplant (taken from the Citroën 2CV) proved unsuitable, and a projected higher-powered version of the engine did not eventually become available. Holcomb later built a refined version with a different powerplant as the Ultra-IMP.

[edit] Specifications (Micro-IMP)

[edit] General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Length: 15 ft 0 in (4.57 m)
  • Wingspan: 27 ft 0 in (8.23 m)
  • Height: ft in ( m)
  • Wing area: ft² ( m²)
  • Empty: lb ( kg)
  • Loaded: lb ( kg)
  • Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
  • Powerplant: 1x Citroën automobile engine, 25 hp (19 kW)

[edit] Performance

  • Maximum speed: 120 mph (190 km/h)
  • Range: miles ( km)
  • Service ceiling: ft ( m)
  • Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
  • Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
  • Power/Mass: hp/lb ( kW/kg)

[edit] Related content

Related development: IMP - Mini-IMP - Holcomb Perigee

Comparable aircraft: Rutan Quickie

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