Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: First Flight : Airdrome Sopwith Hamble Baby Convert

  1. #1

    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Dayton, Ohio
    Posts
    42

    First Flight : Airdrome Sopwith Hamble Baby Convert

    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.

  2. #2
    Chad Jensen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Oshkosh, WI
    Posts
    502
    Awesome! Can't wait to see the pics!!
    Chad Jensen
    EAA #755575

  3. #3

    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Dayton, Ohio
    Posts
    42
    Flown in formation with a 100 hp Piper Cub, here is the Airdrome Sopwith over Missouri. Photos courtesy Bob Punch.
    Attached Images Attached Images    

  4. #4

    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Dayton, Ohio
    Posts
    42
    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.
    Attached Images Attached Images    

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    2,236
    That's some aircraft porn right there, I'm telling you!

    Congrats!
    The opinions and statements of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •