The Wittman Tailwind was a very
important milestone in the history of modern homebuilt movement
which dates from September 1952 when the current homebuilt
regulations went into effect. The Tailwind was the first homebuilt
certified by CAA to carry a "non-revenue passenger". This was a
significant development because it took the homebuilt out of the
strictly "toy" category and gave it just enough utility to make it
attractive to a far wider audience."(Sport Aviation, 1993)
"That utility was just what Steve Wittman had in mind when he
designed the Tailwind. EAA'ers immediately grasped the significance
of the design: an airplane that required a minimum of skills to
build, that was affordable both to build and operate...and yet was
about as fast as the most expensive and powerful factory airplanes
on the market (at that time)." (Sport Aviation,1993)
The Tailwind was designed and built in 1953 as a
fast, economical cross country airplane, made to carry two people
and 60 pounds of luggage. It is a very stable airplane with
exceptionally gentle stall characteristics. The aircraft has a 4130
steel tubing fuselage and spruce and plywood wings. The aircraft is
fabric covered. It was designed so that a number of engines may be
used from 85 to 160 HP. Plans are also available for an Olds V-8
auto conversion.
Jack Cox wrote in Sport Aviation, "[The Tailwind]
was a remarkable airplane when it was new in 1953 and it still is
today. It is fast and fuel efficient, but the most impressive thing
about the airplane is its handling characteristics. It has no bad
habits on the ground or in the air. Especially with Steve's extended
wing tips, the low speed regime is something that has to be
experienced to be believed. I had the opportunity to solo Steve's
Olds powered Tailwind at the Leeward Air Ranch last spring (of 1993)
just prior to Sun 'n Fun and it was an almost shocking reminder that
despite all the fabulous progress homebuilt designers have made in
the past 40 years, the Tailwind was and still is an outstanding
little airplane."
specifications
powerplant
propeller
length
height
wing span
wing area
seats
empty weight
useful load
gross weight
fuel capacity
range |
Cont. 0-300 HP
Range 145
x
x
5.5 ft
24 ft
x
2
876 lb
x
1425 lb
35 gal
600 n.m |
performance
takeoff distance,
ground roll
rate of climb
max speed
cruise speed
landing distance, ground roll
service ceiling |
750 ft
1200 fpm
200 mph
180 mph
650 ft
20,000 ft |
limiting and recommended speeds
design manoeuvring speed (Va)
never exceed speed (Vne)
stall, power off (Vsl)
landing approach speed |
x
x
45 mph
x |
All specifications are based on manufacturer's
calculations
|
