Prototypes worth modelling-The Ercoupe & Aircoupe series.

**wonwinglo** · 26-12-2005

Alon/Forney/Ecko Aircoupe/Ercoupe.

The Alon Model A-2 Aircoupe is a classic American light aircraft having been designed in the late nineteen thirties as the Ercoupe Model 415C,it represented a very advanced design for its era and was subsequently built in very large numbers.
The aircraft had all metal construction except for the outer wing panels which were fabric covered,the machine featured twin fins and rudders with a fixed landing gear,the engine was a Continental A65 flat-four.
The unique feature of the Ercoupe was the simplified twin control system which eliminated the rudder pedals,but conventional controls could be fitted for the customer at the factory.Basically the ailerons were linked to the rudders plus the nosewheel as well,everything was thus linked from the control wheel,the elevator operated in the normal way.
Production of the Ercoupe finished when WW2 started but it was such a good aeroplane that production was re-started after the war years with some 6,000 being built under the various names of Ercoupe,Aircoupe and Fornair,in 1963 the company was taken over by Alon Inc and the aircraft was re-marketed as the Alon A-2 Aircoupe.This version did away with the fabric outer wing panels and was built from alloy solely.
The company eventually merged with Mooney Aircraft Inc in 1967.
Spec: 90 hp Continental C90-16F flat four piston engine.
Max speed at sea level 129 mph.
Max cruising speed 124 mph.
Service ceiling 17,000 feet.
Max Range 455 miles.
Weights:Empty 930 lbs.
Max take off weight 1,450 lbs.
Wingspan 30 feet.
Length 20 feet 4 inches.
Height 6 feet 3 inches.
Wing area 142.60 square feet.

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duncan · 26-12-2005

Pretty little thing, unusual to see it in military colours. generous dihederal should make it a good first low-wing scale model ...any takers? Anything with twin fins is appealing to me. Any civvy colour schemes in your archives Barry?

**wonwinglo** · 26-12-2005

***Duncan,Keil Kraft kitted this one in their flying scale series,the plan would make an ideal enlargement project,also APS did plans for another free flight subject.
Yes I have some more pictures deep in the archives,when I locate them will scan them in and add them here,one is metallic purple overall with silver trim.
By the way the aircraft is ideal for people who suffer from paraplegia due to the unique control system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan

Pretty little thing, unusual to see it in military colours. generous dihederal should make it a good first low-wing scale model ...any takers? Anything with twin fins is appealing to me. Any civvy colour schemes in your archives Barry?