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Acme Sierra

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The Acme Aircraft Co S-1 Sierra was an experimental aircraft of unusual configuration built in the US in 1948 to investigate the advantages of a pusher propeller configuration.[1][2] Apart from this engine installation, the aircraft was unusual in having an Y-shaped tail incorporating ruddervators on the upper fins. The wing was shoulder-mounted on the fuselage and was unswept.

TypeExperimental light aircraft
National origin
United States of America
ManufacturerAcme Aircraft Company (Sierradyne Inc.)
Designer
Ron Beattie, Walt Fellers
Quick facts General information, Type ...
Acme S-1 Sierra (Sue)
General information
TypeExperimental light aircraft
National origin
United States of America
ManufacturerAcme Aircraft Company (Sierradyne Inc.)
Designer
Ron Beattie, Walt Fellers
StatusMuseum exhibit
Number built1
History
First flight23 November 1953
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During the 1960s, the US aerospace manufacturer Northrop used the aircraft as a technology demonstrator for boundary layer control concepts.[2][3]

Specifications (S-1 Sierra)

Data from Flight Magazine[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 18 ft (5.5 m)
  • Wingspan: 30 ft (9.1 m)
  • Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
  • Wing area: 67 sq ft (6.2 m2)
  • Empty weight: 590 lb (268 kg)
  • Gross weight: 900 lb (408 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 15
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental C-85 4-cyl. air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 85 hp (63 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 200 mph (320 km/h, 170 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 185 mph (298 km/h, 161 kn)
  • Range: 500 mi (800 km, 430 nmi)
  • Wing loading: 13.5 lb/sq ft (66 kg/m2)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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