Bede BD-2
| Bede BD-2 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Experimental powered sailplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Bede Aircraft |
| Designer | Jim Bede |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Schweizer SGS 2-32 |
The Bede BD-2 was an American experimental powered sailplane designed by Jim Bede to attempt an unrefuelled round-the-world flight.[1]
Development
The BD-2 was a modified Schweizer SGS 2-32 fitted with a specially modified Continental IO-360-C engine.[1] The BD-2 could carry 565 US Gallons (2138 litres) of fuel in wing and fuselage tanks and the modified engine produced only 30hp (22.4kW) during the cruise part of the flight.[1]
The BD-2 made its first flight from Wichita on March 12, 1967.[2] Between November 7-10, 1969 the aircraft set a world closed-circuit flight distance record for piston-engined aircraft, flying undertook a trial flight in which it covered 8,973.38 miles (14,441.26 km) in 70 hours 15 minutes.[3][1] The flight had to be stopped following a complete electrical failure and no further record flights were attempted by Bede.[1]
The BD-2 was modified by Javelin Aircraft of Wichita as the Phoenix, which was used by Jerry Mullens to set a new closed-circuit record for piston aircraft on December 5–8 1981 of 10,070 mi (16207km) in 73 h 2 min, which was also the longest non-refueled flight made by a solo pilot at the time.[4][5][6]
Specifications (Phoenix)
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83[5]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 27 ft 7 in (8.41 m)
- Wingspan: 63 ft 0 in (19.20 m)
- Wing area: 192 sq ft (17.8 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 20.7:1
- Empty weight: 1,725 lb (782 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental IO-360C air-cooled six cylinder, 230 hp (170 kW)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 156 mph (136 kn; 251 km/h) at max take-off weight, 108 mph (94 kn, 174 km/h) at 2,200 lb (998 kg)
- Stall speed: 62 mph (54 kn; 100 km/h) at 1,900 lb
- Never exceed speed: 194 mph (169 kn; 312 km/h)
- Range: 20,500 mi (17,814 nmi; 32,992 km) estimated, still air
- Endurance: 120 hr (estimated)
References
Notes
Bibliography
- "Around the world without refuelling". Flight International (30 January 1982): pp. 214–215.
- "Bede's Orbital Sailplane Flies". Flight International (30 March 1967): p. 477.
- Taylor, John W. R. (1976). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77. London: Jane's Yearbooks. ISBN 0-354-00538-3.
- Taylor, John W. R. (1982). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83. London: Jane's Yearbooks. ISBN 0-7106-0748-2.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
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