Stits SA-11A Playmate

The Stits SA-11A Playmate is a homebuilt aircraft design that features a rapid wing-folding mechanism for trailering or storage.[2]

Playmate
Stits SA-11A
Role Homebuilt aircraft
National origin United States
Designer Ray Stits
Unit cost
approximately $3650 to build in 1971[1]


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.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5][6]

Specifications (SA-11A Playmate)

Data from Sport Aviation

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1
  • Length: 18 ft 4 in (5.59 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
  • Wing area: 120 sq ft (11 m2)
  • Empty weight: 886 lb (402 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,500 lb (680 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 24 U.S. gallons (91 L; 20 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320 Horizontally opposed piston, 150 hp (110 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 115 kn (132 mph, 212 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 100 kn (120 mph, 190 km/h)
  • Range: 369 nmi (425 mi, 684 km)
  • Service ceiling: 17,500 ft (5,300 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,625 ft/min (8.26 m/s)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References
  1. Leo J. Kohn (Winter 1971). "The true cost of building your own plane". Air Trails: 63.
  2. "Stits SA-11A Playmate". Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  3. ""Playmate"- Balcer Style". Sport Aviation. June 1969.
  4. "Stits SA-11A Playmate". Sport Aviation. June 1968.
  5. Leslie Hunt. Veteran and vintage aircraft. p. 312.
  6. "EAA museum collection continues to expand". Sport Aviation: 46. February 1970.
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