Interstate Cadet

Interstate Cadet
An L-6 of the USAF Museum
Role Utility monoplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation
First flight 1940
Primary user United States Army
Number built 574
Variants Arctic Tern

The Interstate Cadet is an American two-seat tandem, high wing, single engine monoplane light aircraft. Around 320 of these aircraft were produced between the years of 1941 and 1942 by the Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation based in 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 prototype) 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-6A.

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. However, 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(75/85/90/100hp), 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 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.

Contents

Variants

S-1
Certified in 1940 and powered by a Continental A-50-8 engine.[1]
S-1A
Certified in 1941 and powered by a Continental A-65-8 engine.[2]
S-1A-65F
1941 variant powered by a 65hp Franklin 4AC-176-B2 engine.[2]
S-1A-85F
1942 variant powered by a 85hp Franklin 4AC-199-D2 engine.[2]
S-1A-90F
1942 variant powered by 90hp Franklin 4AC-199-E2 engine.[2]
S-1B1
1942 variant with a Franklin 4ACG-199-H3 engine. Military production as the L-6 Grasshopper.[3]
S-1B2 (Arctic Tern)
1975 improved variant of the S-1B1 powered by a Lycoming O-320-A2B or B2B engine.[3]
XO-63 Grasshopper
United States Army designation for one S-1B for evaluation, later designated the XL-6.[4]
L-6A Grasshopper
United States Army designation for the S-1B1, 250 built.[4]
L-8A Cadet
United States Army designation for eight S-1As ordered on behalf of the Bolivian Air Force.[4]

Specifications (S-1A)

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ^ "Type Certificate Data Sheet #2-558". Federal Aviation Administration. 31 October 2007. http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/a0210d5c3cf8e2df862574c600616d3e/$FILE/2-558.pdf. Retrieved 2009-12-20. 
  2. ^ a b c d "Type Certificate Data Sheet #A-737". Federal Aviation Administration. 31 October 2007. http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/f5f8d40ce0a21b66862574c6005f05e1/$FILE/A-737.pdf. Retrieved 2009-12-20. 
  3. ^ a b "Type Certificate Data Sheet #A-754". Federal Aviation Administration. 31 October 2007. http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/dd29e4b6c44bcd20862574c600611bea/$FILE/A-754.pdf. Retrieved 2009-12-20. 
  4. ^ a b c Andrade 1979, p. 130

Bibliography

  • Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9. 
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