Waco Aristocraft
| Aristocraft | |
|---|---|
| Role | Four-seat cabin monoplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Waco Aircraft Company |
| Designer | A Francis Arcier |
| First flight | March 1947 |
| Number built | 1 |
|
| |
The Waco Model W Aristocraft was an American four-seat monoplane, the last aircraft designed and built by the Waco Aircraft Company.[1] It had an unusual configuration with an engine mounted at the front driving a pusher propeller at the rear.[1]
Design and development
The Aristocraft was an attempt by Waco to enter the post-war market for light aircraft.[1] The prototype first flew in March 1947 powered by a 215 hp (160 kW) Franklin 6AL piston engine mounted at the front with a shaft driven pusher propeller at the rear.[1] Of all-metal construction it was a high-wing monoplane with twin fins and rudders, It had a partially retractable tricycle landing gear.[1]
The company had orders for 300 aircraft but decided that the type would need costly development in a shrinking market and only the prototype was completed.[1] Waco sold the design rights and in the 1960s efforts were made to market the type for home-construction.
Specifications
Data from [2] Aerofiles.com
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 3
- Length: 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m)
- Wingspan: 34 ft 9 in (10.59 m)
- Powerplant: 1 × Franklin 6AL piston, 215 hp (160 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 185 mph (297 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 155 mph (249 km/h)
- Stall speed: 57 mph (91 km/h)
- Range: 657 miles (1057 km)
References
Notes
Bibliography
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
- Simpson, R.W. (1991). Airlife's General Aviation. England: Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-85310-194-X.