Interstate Cadet

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The Interstate Cadet is a US two-seat tandem, high wing, single engine monoplane light aircraft. It was produced between the years of 1941 and 1943 by the Interstate Manufacturing Company based out of El Segundo, California. The construction techniques employed were a welded steel tube fuselage, wood (spruce) wing structure with metal ribs, and fabric covering, all of which were fairly standard in the 1940s.

The aircraft in its original version (the S1 variant) was powered by the 50hp Continental A-50 engine, but was soon upgraded (the S1-A-65F variant) to the Continental A-65 engine. This was the mainstay used in most small two-seat aircraft of the time. This aircraft was also used in WW2, being named the L-8A.

It has been argued why this aircraft did not become successful during early 40's. One reason found is that this aircraft cost almost three times the amount of the comparable J-3 Cub. If one were to look at the blue prints between the two aircraft it can be stated that the Cadet is far superior. Its faster, stronger, and can be operated in a more rugged environment. It can operate in the rugged north due to the Oleo strut/Compression spring suspension system. Popular upgrades for this airframe include: larger engines(75/85/90hp), better brakes, and a different tailwheel system.

In the late 1960s the type certificates and tooling were bought by the newly formed Arctic Aircraft Company. Arctic Aircraft transformed the S-1B1 into a bush plane by upgrading structural elements of the fuselage, landing gear, and wings. This new aircraft, designated the S-1B2, was reconfigured with a Lycoming O-320 160 HP engine and 82” McCauley propeller for increased performance.

In the 1970s, the Model S-1B2 was was revived, modernised form, and type certificated in 1975 as the Arctic Tern.

Type certification was also obtained for some of the original Interstate Cadets to use the 160 hp Lycoming O-320 engine but without the full complement of modifications and upgrades provided in the Arctic Tern.

[edit] Specifications

  • Capacity: 2 (1 pilot, one passenger)
  • Engine: Continental A-50 (S-1), Continental A-65 (S-1A)
  • Wingspan: 35ft 6in
  • Length: 23ft 5.5in
  • Cruise: 98mph
  • Fuel capacity: 15 gallons
  • Range: 380 miles
  • Payload: 480 pounds
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1200 pounds



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