Thu, Apr 06, 2006
EagleAero To Produce Updated Version Of Windecker Eagle
Airplane
Here's a blast from the
past... An up-dated version of the Windecker EAGLE, the world's
first "plastic" airplane, is being planned for production. A
company, EAGLEAERO, INC., has been formed to produce and market
this all composite, single engine, retractable gear, high
performance, four seat craft.
The EAGLE will be based on the FAA Type Certificated model built
in the late sixties by Dr. Leo Windecker.
"EAGLEAERO is investigating strategic partner relationships with
key suppliers of engines, instruments, and airframes. We hope
to finalize an assembly arrangement with an established
manufacturer with composite fabrication experience," according to
spokesman Charles H. Roche.
EAGLEAERO has the exclusive rights to build the EAGLE and
modifications of it. It obtained the rights from Composite Aircraft
Corporation. Windecker's design enabled Jerry Dietrick, formerly
owner of Composite, to set five world records with an EAGLE.
Windecker Eagle World Speed Records (1979
- 1980)
|
Cincinnati/London 187.75 mph |
Paris/Cincinnati 155.47 mph |
Cincinnati/Munich 186.06 mph |
New York/Paris 194.31 mph |
Cincinnati/Paris 188.97 mph |
|
As a tribute to aviation pioneering, one EAGLE is in the
Smithsonian Museum (NASM) to be preserved for posterity.
SPECIFICATIONS & PERFORMANCE
Windecker Airplane-Model AC-7, FAA Type Certificate A7SW
Issued: Dec.18, 1969 Re-issue: Dec. 26, 1979
|
Gross Wt. |
3400 lb |
Optimum Range |
1230 sm |
Empty Wt. |
2150 lb |
Climb Rate |
1220 fpm |
Top Speed |
210 mph |
Ceiling |
18,000 ft |
Cruise, 75% |
204 mph |
Full Stall |
66 mph |
Engine |
Continental IO-520C, 285 hp |
Propeller- |
CS, 2 blade, 84" |
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