| Spitfire | |
|---|---|
| Role | Ultralight aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Worldwide Ultralite Don Ecker |
| Designer | Fred Bell |
| Status | Production completed |
| Developed from | Bell Sidewinder Phantom X1 |
The Worldwide Ultralite Spitfire is an American ultralight aircraft that was designed by Fred Bell and manufactured by Worldwide Ultralite Inc and later by Don Ecker. The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2]
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The Spitfire is a derivative of the Phantom X1 that was created by former Phantom Aeronautics employee Fred Bell, who also designed the Bell Sidewinder. The Spitfire was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 253 lb (115 kg). It features a strut-braced high-wing, a single-seat, open cockpit, tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]
The aircraft is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing, with the flying surfaces covered in Dacron sailcloth. The Spitfire differs from the X1 in having flaps, struts in place of cable-bracing, a centre stick and a cog-belt reduction drive. Its 30 ft (9.1 m) span wing is supported by "V" struts and jury struts. The pilot is accommodated on an open seat, partially enclosed by a fibreglass fairing with a windshield. The standard engine provided was the Kawasaki 440 snowmobile powerplant of 36 hp (27 kW).[1][2]
The design pushes the empty weight limits set by FAR 103 and thus has to be built carefully and cannot be fitted with options if it is to be legally flown in this category.[1]
Data from Cliche and the Virtual Ultralight Museum[1][2]
General characteristics
Performance
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