|
Clifford Aeroworks Storms Dawn Patrol |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Friday, 11 December 2009 18:48 |
|
Clifford Aeroworks attended the 2009 Dawn Patrol Rendezvous in full force bringing along the whole crew and the SPAD 13 as well as plans sets, documentation, photos, flags and about everything else you can fit in a 10 passenger van and a 16 foot double axle trailer. Held at the Wright Patterson AFB museum the event is on of the premier WWI aviation gatherings. The Clifford Aeroworks crew talked with literally thousands of visitors to our display over the course of the weekend. Despite miserable weather made up of low hanging fog, rain, mist and cold that only let up long enough for a few hours of flying time, the show was well attended and the SPAD was one of the busiest attractions. Rather than park behind the ropes we made the call to display in front of the pavilion and let the public get close. Each morning we arrived from the hotel to find the plane just as we had left it, intact with a crowd already formed around it. Perhaps the biggest compliment certainly a highlight for all of the work that was put into attending the show was when the Dawn Patrol emcee and author of the book "The Stand, The final flight of Lt. Frank Luke" displayed the Clifford Aeroworks SPAD 13 at show center as he told the story of Lt. Luke, a SPAD pilot, and his heroic last flight. The Air Force and people of Dayton showed us a great time and we look forward to returning. |
|
Last Updated on Friday, 11 December 2009 18:59 |
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Monday, 10 August 2009 18:14 |
|
THE SPAD XIII The Clifford Aeroworks SPAD XIII is an 80% replica of one of the most famous of the Allied World War I fighters. It proved itself to be the toughest and fastest single seat fighter on either side of “No Man’s Land” and was used very effectively by such famous French “Aces” as Guynemer and Fonck along with the leading U.S. “Ace” Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker and the top balloon buster Lt. Frank Luke of the U.S. 27th Aero Squadron. They all thought highly of their SPAD pursuit ships. Owning and maintaining one of the few original SPADs left in existence, of course, wouldn’t be practical and building one full size to the original plans would take over 5000 hours of skilled craftsmanship and probably over $50,000 in materials. Our 80% alternative allows you to assemble a more durable (steel fuselage and internal structure aluminum wings) aircraft with modern materials in more likely 1/10th the time and less than ¼ the material cost. Externally, however, the varnished wood struts, instrument panel, antique prop and wire wheels all add to the authentic look of the 1917 original. The covering is modern 2.7oz Dacron fabric coated with UV sun barrier and then whatever color scheme and insignias that you may wish. The machine guns on the prototype are dummy; but replica Vickers .30cal guns that will fire blank ammo can be installed. |
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Monday, 10 August 2009 18:12 |
|
As you can see from the specifications and performance sheet, our SPAD is a little hotter than many of the ultralight type WWI replicas. She handles and flies much like we expect the original did. She has a pretty snappy roll rate (less than two seconds 45° to 45° ), and she feels just like the little fighter she is the replica of. Stalls are honest; recovery is straightforward. She has a solid feel when pushed over to a 100MPH VNE in a shallow dive with part throttle. Like any other World War I replica, you do want some tail dragger time under your belt and understand that the rudder pedals are not just for foot rests in these airplanes. Many of our builders have expressed the great feeling of accomplishment in building and flying their own aircraft. We’re sure you’ll share that same sense of accomplishment after you’ve built your SPAD, but we expect when flying it that you’ll find it to be more like a “sports car” than the “family wagon”. So when you ease down into the cockpit, hit the starter, hear the throaty growl of her straight pipes as you climb into the blue where you are transformed into a World War I “Ace” looking over your twin Vickers for that enemy fighter with black cross insignia, you are experiencing flying as very few ever will. However, you will not be alone. There are many others starting to build and fly World War I replicas to the point that there are three or four weekend “Aerodrome” gatherings a year throughout the country. We have found them to be filled with great camaraderie and truly memorable flying experiences. Maybe it’s time to reevaluate boring holes in the sky with an old Cessna at $100 an hour and make your time in the air really special for $10 an hour. Of course, then you will have to buy that leather flying jacket and those goggles and scarf that you have always wanted! |
|
Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 August 2009 16:44 |
|
|
