Aircraft Engineering Corp Ace K-1

The Aircraft Engineering Corp Ace K-1 was a United States single-seat biplane aircraft designed in 1918 by Alexander Klemin, then Professor of Aeronautical Engineering at New York University (NYU). It was the first American civil aircraft to be produced after World War I.[1] Later versions included a nearly faired-in engine installation. Re-introduced in 1930 with a re-designed fuselage and strengthened structure as the Ace 300 and Ace 200, fitted with Salmson 9Ad and LeBlond 5D engines respectively.

Ace K-1
Role Sport Biplane
Manufacturer Aircraft Engineering Corp / Horace Keane Aeroplanes
Designer Alexander Klemin
First flight 1919
Number built 8x K-1 + One each of Ace 200 and Ace 300

One example survives, powered by a 40 horsepower (30 kW) Keane Acemotor and displayed at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York.[1]

Variants edit

Ace K-1
Early production aircraft powered by Ford Model T engines.
Ace 200
Later production aircraft powered by a LeBlond 5D engine.
Ace 300
Later production aircraft powered by a Salmson 9Ad engine.

Specifications (K-1) edit

Data from [2]

General characteristics

  • Length: 19 ft 2 in (5.84 m) [1]
  • Wingspan: 28 ft 4 in (8.64 m)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Ford Model T 4-cyl in-line water-cooled piston engine, 40 hp (30 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kn)
  • Range: 160 mi (260 km, 140 nmi)

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Ace Biplane". Cradle of Aviation Museum. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  2. ^ Eckland, K.O. (2 May 2009). "Aircraft Aa to Ak". USA: aerofiles.com. Archived from the original on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.

Further reading edit

  • Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1919. London: Samson Low Marston. p. 444a.

External links edit