After months of a difficult work schedule, weather, and distractions, all of the pieces came together.
The Airdrome Sopwith Hamble Baby flew today.
Will have pix and video soon. Test pilot Harvey Cleveland said ' it's a big *****cat ', lots of lift, great ailerons. One of my worries was the wheel ailerons, but he said the pressures and response was nice, " like a Stinson Reliant", which I consider a success.
It got airborne in about 350 feet, with a very steep climb. Comfortable cruise was at the expected 75 mph with the seven cylinder Rotec quietly purring at 2700-2800 rpm. She stalled right about 39 mph IAS, just mushing gently forward and trying to fly again. Easy to land, but does float with a lot of lift.
Will try to get some air to air photos tomorrow, and post photos and video soon.
Thanks to Robert and the whole Airdrome bunch who, as always, made this such a rewarding experience.
The Airdrome Sopwith Hamble Baby flew today.
Will have pix and video soon. Test pilot Harvey Cleveland said ' it's a big *****cat ', lots of lift, great ailerons. One of my worries was the wheel ailerons, but he said the pressures and response was nice, " like a Stinson Reliant", which I consider a success.
It got airborne in about 350 feet, with a very steep climb. Comfortable cruise was at the expected 75 mph with the seven cylinder Rotec quietly purring at 2700-2800 rpm. She stalled right about 39 mph IAS, just mushing gently forward and trying to fly again. Easy to land, but does float with a lot of lift.
Will try to get some air to air photos tomorrow, and post photos and video soon.
Thanks to Robert and the whole Airdrome bunch who, as always, made this such a rewarding experience.
