Acme Sierra
| Acme S-1 Sierra (Sue) | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Experimental light aircraft |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Acme Aircraft Company (Sierradyne Inc.) |
| Designer | Ron Beattie, Walt Fellers |
| Status | Museum exhibit |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| First flight | 23 November 1953 |
The Acme Aircraft Co S-1 Sierra was an experimental aircraft of unusual configuration built in the US in 1948 to investigate the advantages of a pusher propeller configuration.[1][2] Apart from this engine installation, the aircraft was unusual in having an Y-shaped tail incorporating ruddervators on the upper fins. The wing was shoulder-mounted on the fuselage and was unswept.
During the 1960s, the US aerospace manufacturer Northrop used the aircraft as a technology demonstrator for boundary layer control concepts.[2][3]
Specifications (S-1 Sierra)
[edit]Data from Flight Magazine[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 18 ft (5.5 m)
- Wingspan: 30 ft (9.1 m)
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Wing area: 67 sq ft (6.2 m2)
- Empty weight: 590 lb (268 kg)
- Gross weight: 900 lb (408 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 15
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental C-85 4-cyl. air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 85 hp (63 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 200 mph (320 km/h, 170 kn)
- Cruise speed: 185 mph (298 km/h, 161 kn)
- Range: 500 mi (800 km, 430 nmi)
- Wing loading: 13.5 lb/sq ft (66 kg/m2)
See also
[edit]Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Single-Seat Pusher: An interesting experiment in high performance for lightplanes". Flight Magazine. 40 (5). Dallas, TX: Air Review Publishing Corporation: 26, 28, 41. November 1953. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ a b "Acme Aircraft Co (Sierradyne Inc) S-1 Sierra (Sue)". wmof.com. Western Museum of Flight. Archived from the original on 28 March 2016. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Eckland, E.O. "American airplanes: Acme Aircraft Co". www.aerofiles.com. Aerofiles. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2025.