Here are some pictures from the Elmsett, Suffolk, open day. Runway 23, so some shots with sun in the background, but mostly acceptable for photos.
The open day had a good mix, with microlights, gyrocopters, light aircraft, aerobatics, and a P51.
The ‘Speed Twin’ aerobatic twin was new to me, and it put on a good show.
Steven
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By: Angel - 30th September 2008 at 07:59
Thanks for your replies.
The commentator at the event said that the Speed Twin was developed for aerobatic training, and two engines were safer for this purpose than singles like the Yak 52.
That’s an interesting argument – the commentator was reading from the notes supplied by the pilot… most people would argue that low level aeros in a twin is much more dangerous than a single. In fact, I asked the pilot what his procedure would be for an engine failure whilst performing (all us display pilots have to account for all sort of failures at any point in a display by the way!), and his answer….. “I’d pull the throttle on both engines and execute a forced landing”…..
Steven: I have a big favour to ask – any chance I could steal the photo of the Yak/Cassutt to put on my web site (http://yakdisplay.com) – and if you feel like sending a reference on the Yak display – feel free: http://yakdisplay.com/references.shtml. Please reply email: nigel(at)yakdisplay.com
By: steven_wh - 21st September 2008 at 22:35
Thanks for your replies.
The commentator at the event said that the Speed Twin was developed for aerobatic training, and two engines were safer for this purpose than singles like the Yak 52.
He also said that it was intended for twin/multi engine training for smaller airforces, hence the strange blue military camouflage paint job.
The tandem seat cockpit looks very large inside, with a big canopy for good visibility. Maybe extra space for parachutes and military gear? See the additional picture.
Other Elmsett photos here:
http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l474/steven_why/Elmsett%202008/
Steven
By: ozplane - 21st September 2008 at 16:07
Nice shots and it is good to see the Speedtwin back in action. It was originally developed by the late Peter Philips to be a kit-built light 2-seat sporting twin back in the days of cheap fuel. The original had 2 100hp Continentals (I think) but this one is supposed to have Walter Mikrons (?). A note for the anoraks, the Speedtwin is based on the Victa Airtourer wing.
By: Angel - 21st September 2008 at 13:06
Nice shootin’!
The Yak 52…..is that how the gear stays when retracted? The nose wheel tyre is touching the belly skin.
Not quite. There’s a recess in the underside for the wheel…. Nice pics by the way…. even see me waving !
By: old shape - 21st September 2008 at 01:55
Nice shootin’!
The Yak 52…..is that how the gear stays when retracted? The nose wheel tyre is touching the belly skin.
The Speedtwin is a nice looking machine, those engines must be tiny and very economical, otherwise a twin engined craft with only two seats doesn’t make economic sense. Or have I missed something?
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September 20, 2008 at 10:40 pm