Fri, Aug 20, 2004
T-211 Sky Skooter
Article and Photos by John Ballantyne
The advent of FAA's Light Sport Aircraft has some looking back
in time for light, simple to fly aircraft of olden days. A
time-proven, FAA certificated design comes from a well-known
aviation designer, John Thorp.
Thorp designed a two-seat, all-metal, low wing aircraft in 1944
named the T-211 "Sky Skooter." By 1945 it had shed the Franklin
engine in favor of a 65 hp Lycoming O-145 engine and the FAA
bestowed it with Part 23 certification. By 1958 Thorp had a
four-seater version now known as the venerable Piper Cherokee,
PA-28. Thorp's Sky Skooter even turned twin-engine and became the
"Wing Derringer."
Today IndUS Aviation, Inc offers two versions: the T211
(Certificated) and the Sport E. The Sport E is the version of the
Thorp T 211 that is offered for the homebuilder to assemble under
the Experimental category (51% rule), as well as the upcoming Light
Sport Aircraft (LSA) category. The Sport E will be available in
three product types depending on customer requirements and market
regions: The Sport E / Certified, The Sport E / Experimental and
the Sport E / Light Sport Aircraft.
"We are enjoying our re-connection with the recreational
aviation market through re-discovery of this venerable design timed
with FAA creation of Sport Pilot," says company President and
owner, Ram Pattisapu. "We have acquired serial number 1 built in
1946 by John Thorp himself. "It looks and flies great." "We are
taking it to all the significant aviation shows," adds Director of
Sales and Marketing, Scott Severen.
Thorp T - 211 Specifications
|
|
Wingspan
|
25.0 ft
|
| Length |
18.2 ft
|
| Height |
6.1 ft
|
| Wing Area |
104.6 sq ft.
|
| Seats |
2
|
| Gross Weight |
1,270 lbs
|
| Empty Weight |
775 lbs
|
| Wing Loading |
12.1 lb/sq ft.
|
| Fuel Capacity |
21 U.S.gal
|
| Oil Capacity |
6.0 qts
|
| Baggage Capacity |
40 lbs
|
| Engine |
Continental 0-200-A, 100 hp
|
| Propeller |
Sensenich Metal 67" x 56"
|
| Power Loading |
12.7 lb/hp
|
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