Wittman Tailwind
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| Wittman Tailwind | |
|---|---|
| Type | light aircraft |
| Manufacturer | homebuilt |
| Designed by | Steve Wittman |
| Number built | >350 |
The Wittman Tailwind is a popular 2-seat light aircraft for homebuilding. It is a high-wing, braced cabin monoplane of taildragger configuration. In 1953, the Tailwind became the first aircraft covered under the FAA's Experimental category to be certified to carry a passenger. Designer Steve Wittman and his wife were killed April 27, 1995 when their "O&O Special" crashed. The propeller and some fabric covering from this "O&O Special" is on display in the Wittman hangar located on the Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The aircraft was marketed in the UK by AJEP in the 1970s as the AJEP Tailwind in both kit and ready-to-fly form. In 1996 all rights were acquired by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co of Corona, California.
[edit] Specifications (1953 W.8)
General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 19 ft 3 in (5.87 m)
- Wingspan: 20 ft 11 in (6.38 m)
- Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m)
- Wing area: 84 ft² (7.8 m²)
- Empty weight: 685 lb (311 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,235 lb (560 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental C85, 85 hp (65 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 175 mph (280 km/h)
- Range: 600 miles (970 km)
- Service ceiling: 16,000 ft (4,900 m)
- Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 51, 897.
- Airventure Museum website
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