Waco Aristocraft

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. It had an unusual configuration with an engine mounted at the front driving a pusher propeller at the rear.

Design and development

The Aristocraft was an attempt by Waco to enter the post-war market for light aircraft. 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. Of all-metal construction it was a high-wing monoplane with twin fins and rudders, It had a partially retractable tricycle landing gear.

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. Waco sold the design rights and in the 1960s efforts were made to market the type for home-construction.

Specifications

Data from 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 x— 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)

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 104 X.

Waco Aristocraft Pictures

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Source: WikiPedia