Buckeye Dream Machine

The Buckeye Dream Machine is an American powered parachute that was designed and produced by Buckeye Industries, introduced in 1985. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft, as a kit, in the form of plans for amateur construction.^[1][2]

Design and development

The aircraft was designed as a two-place ultralight trainer. It features a parachute-style high-wing, two seats in tandem, tricycle landing gear and a single 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration. The 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 liquid-cooled engine was a factory option.^[1][2]

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted aluminium and 4130 steel tubing. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension. The aircraft was factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30-40 hours to complete.^[1][2]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 64 hp (48 kW) engine is 500 ft (152 m) and the landing roll is 100 ft (30 m).^[2]

Operational history

By 1998 the company reported that 300 kits had been sold and were completed and flying.^[2]

The design won Best in Category and both AirVenture and Sun 'n Fun and Grand Champion - Powered Parachutes" at the EAA Northwest Fly-In at Arlington, Washington.^[2]

Specifications (Dream Machine)

Data from Cliche and Purdy^[1][2]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Wing area: 500 sq ft (46 m²)
• Empty weight: 300 lb (136 kg)
• Gross weight: 800 lb (363 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 8 U.S. gallons (30 L; 6.7 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 30 mph (48 km/h; 26 kn)
• Cruise speed: 26 mph (23 kn; 42 km/h)
• Rate of climb: 800 ft/min (4.1 m/s)

References