This is a thread to document and discuss the evolution of E-AB designs, to comment on design changes that one would want to see, and to predict future design evolutions.
The Stephens Akro was an aerobatic development of the Miss San Bernardino, which was designed by Bill Statler, RIP. Did any of you California HBA’ers know Bill? I would have loved to have known him.
The Laser 200 was Leo Loudenslager’s evolution of the Stephens Akro.
The Extra 230 was Walter Extra’s evolution of the Laser.
The later Extra, Zivko, and the Rihn designs all borrow heavily on the basic fuselage structure and aerodynamics of the Laser.
I suspect that most here know about the Van’s evolution, but what others are there?
BJC
edit Corrections to the above welcomed.
Many years ago, I asked Clayton Stephens about a spar modification that an acquaintance planned to make to save a few pounds on a Stephens Akro. Clayton’s response was something along the lines of, “Tell him to go on a diet, or just fly without his shoes on, and don’t mess with the design.”From an engineering point of view, it would be much better for me to stop eating so much cookies. This has a potential of much more weight loss, as well as moving the CG forward
The Stephens Akro was an aerobatic development of the Miss San Bernardino, which was designed by Bill Statler, RIP. Did any of you California HBA’ers know Bill? I would have loved to have known him.
The Laser 200 was Leo Loudenslager’s evolution of the Stephens Akro.
The Extra 230 was Walter Extra’s evolution of the Laser.
The later Extra, Zivko, and the Rihn designs all borrow heavily on the basic fuselage structure and aerodynamics of the Laser.
I suspect that most here know about the Van’s evolution, but what others are there?
BJC
edit Corrections to the above welcomed.
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