Aristocraft | |
---|---|
Role | Four-seat cabin monoplane |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Waco Aircraft Company |
Designer | A Francis Arcier |
First flight | March 1947 |
Number built | 1 |
The Waco Model W Aristocraft was an American four-seat monoplane, the last aircraft designed and built by the Waco Aircraft Company. [1] It had an unusual configuration with an engine mounted at the front driving a pusher propeller at the rear. [1]
The Aristocraft was an attempt by Waco to enter the post-war market for light aircraft. [1] The prototype first flew in March 1947 powered by a 215 hp (160 kW) Franklin 6AL piston engine mounted at the front with a shaft driven pusher propeller at the rear. [1] Of all-metal construction it was a high-wing monoplane with twin fins and rudders, It had a partially retractable tricycle landing gear. [1]
The company had orders for 300 aircraft but decided that the type would need costly development in a shrinking market and only the prototype was completed. [1] Waco sold the design rights and in the 1960s efforts were made to market the type for home-construction.
The sole prototype was eventually purchased in the early 1960s and restored to flight. [2]
Data from Aerofiles.com, [3] Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1947 [4]
General characteristics
Performance
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