Joe Deaton's 1952 de Havilland Chipmunk!

  • Tuesday, December 15, 2020 9:16 PM
    Message # 9433166
    Glen Meiring (Administrator)

    Joe Deaton's 1952 de Havilland Chipmunk!


    Have you ever wanted to own a WWII fighter? Me too!


    Has your budget kept you from owning a WWII fighter? Well, unfortunately, me too!


    The next best option for those of us who want the thrill of flying a WWII era airplane on a budget are trainers. Yeah, they aren’t as fast or agile as a fighter but, they’re almost as much fun to fly!


    The de Havilland Chipmunk was introduced in 1946 to replace the aging biplanes in the British training fleet. The airplane resembles typical fighter aircraft of the time but is much smaller and has considerably less horsepower. While a typical WWII fighter might have 1200HP, the Chipmunk flies behind the 145HP Gipsy Major (Affectionately called the Dripsy Major because they leak oil….a lot of oil!) inline 4 cylinder engine. The engine is canted 4 degrees to the right to mimic the high HP fighters on takeoff. You need to use generous amounts of left rudder when taking off in a Chipmunk. Wait, did I say LEFT rudder?? Yep, the engine turns the opposite direction of most airplanes, so left rudder is required when taking off.


    The Chipmunk is a fun airplane. Sitting in the very “cozy” cockpit, it feels very fighter like. Even though it’s rather snug, all of the controls are easily managed.


    Designed for +9 and -6 G’s, aerobatics are a delight! Rolls and loops are fun and easy to perform.


    Landing the Chipmunk will spoil any tailwheel pilot. At 55kts over the fence with wide, soft landing gear and a very effective rudder, landing this taildragger is a pleasant experience.


    If you would like to know more about this airplane, please ask! I am always ready for a little hangar talk!


    Specifications:
    Powerplant Rolls-Royce Gipsy Major 8 or 10-2, 4-cyl, inverted in-line, 145 hp @ 2,550 rpm
    Recommended TBO 1,500 hr
    Propeller Fairey Reed two-blade, fixed-pitch, 81-in dia
    Length 25 ft 5 in
    Height 7 ft
    Wingspan 34 ft 4 in
    Wing area 172.5 sq ft
    Wing loading 12.8 lb/sq ft
    Power loading 15.2 lb/hp
    Seats 2
    Empty weight (as tested) 1,517 lb
    Max gross weight 2,200 lb
    Max gross weight (aerobatics) 2,100 lb
    Max useful load 683 lb
    Payload w/full fuel 550 lb
    Fuel capacity, std 22 gal
    Oil capacity 8 qt
    Baggage capacity 40 lb
    PERFORMANCE
    Takeoff distance over 50-ft obstacle 1,350 ft
    Max demonstrated crosswind component 10 kt
    Rate of climb, sea level 800 fpm
    Max level speed, sea level 120 KIAS
    Cruise speed/range w/45-min rsv, std fuel (fuel consumption)
    @ 75% power, 5,000 ft
    95 kt/207 nm (7.5 gph)
    Service ceiling 15,800 feet
    Glide ratio 10.5:1
    Landing distance over 50-ft obstacle 1,425 ft
    LIMITING AND RECOMMENDED AIRSPEEDS
    Takeoff safety speed 56 KIAS
    V X (best angle of climb) 56 KIAS
    V Y (best rate of climb) 65 KIAS
    V A (design maneuvering) 117 KIAS
    V FE (max flap extended) 71 KIAS
    V NO (max structural cruising) 155 KIAS
    V NE (never exceed) 155 KIAS
    Best-glide speed 60 KIAS
    Final approach speed 60 KIAS
    Max canopy-open speed 90 KIAS
    V S1 (stall, clean) 47 KIAS
    V S0 (stall, landing configuration) 43 KIAS



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    Last modified: Friday, March 03, 2023 5:49 PM | DeAnne. (Dee) Wiese (Administrator)
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