Information AboutThorp T-18 |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT THORP T-18 | |
| homebuilt aircraft | |
| u.s. civil utility aircraft 1960-1969 | |
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Airshow.]] The T-18 is a two-place all-metal are commonly used. The T-18 was intended to be easily constructed from sheets of Aluminum , and use the modified O-290G powerplant. It was originally designed with an open cockpit and engine cowling. However, even as originally designed, the cruising speed was quite high, and all T-18's now have an enclosed cockpit with a "bubble" canopy. The T-18 is both durable and capable of high performance, cruising at up to 180 mph. Later versions frequently have modifications designed by Lou Sunderland to provide a 2" wider fuselage (T-18W) a "convertable" wing that rotates back against the fuselage for trailering or storage (T-18C) or both (T-18CW or S-18). While the airfoil is also slightly modified, other changes are minor, and the performance is similar or identical. The Sunderland changes were made in collaboration with Mr. Thorp. The T-18 was the first homebuilt to make use of a Stabilator or "flying tail", an invention of John Thorp used on most low-wing Piper aircraft, beginning with the Cherokee . Notable aircraft of this type include N455DT, built by Donald Taylor of California and flown around the world from Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1976 , the first successful circumnavigation of the world by a homebuilt aircraft. Clive Canning flew another T-18 from Australia to England earlier the same year. T-18 plans are currently available to builders from Eklund Engineering , which is also developing a Laser-cut kit version. Classic Sport Aircraft supplies plans, parts, and kits for the S-18 and related variations, and is producing a tricycle gear version. SPECIFICATIONS (T-18 WITH O-290) General characteristics
Performance
RELATED CONTENT Thorp T-18/S-18 resource: T18.net Related development: Thorp T-211 Comparable aircraft: Vans RV-4 - Glasair III - Mustang II Designation sequence: |
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