PDA

View Full Version : First Flight : Airdrome Sopwith Hamble Baby Convert



snj5
10-01-2012, 03:45 PM
After months of a difficult work schedule, weather, and distractions, all of the pieces came together.

The Airdrome Sopwith Hamble Baby replica flew today. The landplane version of the seaplane Sopwith Baby. it was used by the RNAS as an operational reconaissance and training aircraft

Will have pix and video soon. Test pilot Harvey Cleveland said ' it's a big pussycat ', 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.

Chad Jensen
10-01-2012, 08:21 PM
Awesome! Can't wait to see the pics!!

snj5
10-02-2012, 06:08 AM
Flown in formation with a 100 hp Piper Cub, here is the Airdrome Sopwith over Missouri. Photos courtesy Bob Punch.

snj5
10-06-2012, 08:24 AM
TTD: Will remount Lewis gun and finish leather cockpit coaming. Later have to finish brakes and replace front aluminum landing gear and skid with ash, converting from 5/17 compass to more correct earlier type. Eventually will have a slatted wood floor as the original, and will make a leather seat cover. I have a larger diameter more correct set of wheels to install as well... or perhaps a set of floats? Hmmm...

For other Rotec R-2800 users, I am very happy with the Culver 80 x 45 propeller thus far, with strong climb and a lazy 75mph ias cruise.

Frank Giger
11-08-2012, 01:02 PM
That's some aircraft porn right there, I'm telling you!

Congrats!