Stits SA-11A Playmate

Last updated
Playmate
StitsSA-11A.jpg
Stits SA-11A
Role Homebuilt aircraft
National origin United States
Designer Ray Stits
First flight1963

The Stits SA-11A Playmate is a homebuilt aircraft design that features a rapid wing-folding mechanism for trailering or storage. [1]

Contents

Design

The SA-11A is a single engine, side-by-side configuration seating, tricycle gear, strut-braced, low wing monoplane. The fuselage is welded steel tubing with aircraft fabric covering. [2] The wings have a quick release mechanism that allows them to fold and lock alongside the fuselage in 15–30 seconds. Safety mechanisms were put in place so pilots could visually inspect that the wings were locked in place. A small sideways seat in the rear can accommodate 150 lb (68 kg) of luggage or a light passenger. [3]

Operational history

The prototype was donated by Ray Stits in 1969 to the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Its engine went into the Stits SA-9A "Skycoupe" prototype for testing and development. [4] [5]

Specifications (SA-11A Playmate)

Data from Sport Aviation

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

  1. "Stits SA-11A Playmate" . Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  2. ""Playmate"- Balcer Style". Sport Aviation. June 1969.
  3. "Stits SA-11A Playmate". Sport Aviation. June 1968.
  4. Leslie Hunt. Veteran and vintage aircraft. p. 312.
  5. "EAA museum collection continues to expand". Sport Aviation: 46. February 1970.