Engineering:Conroy Stolifter

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Conroy Stolifter
Role STOL conversion
National origin United States
Manufacturer Conroy Aircraft
First flight 1968
Introduction 1968
Status Production complete
Number built 1
Developed from Cessna 337 Super Skymaster

The Conroy Stolifter was a conversion of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster, developed by John M. Conroy of Conroy Aircraft starting in 1968.

Development

The Stolifter was created by removing the Skymaster's rear engine and replacing the forward engine with a 575 shp (429 kW) Garrett AiResearch TPE 331-25A turboprop. The fuselage was extended to allow almost double the normal cargo volume. The aircraft was also fitted with a Robertson Aircraft Corporation STOL-kit.[1]

The aircraft was intended for a range of military and civil roles, including cargo and troop transport, medevac, reconnaissance and parachute drop.[2]

The aircraft is capable of taking off in 250 ft (76 m) and clearing a 50 ft (15 m) obstacle in 450 ft (137 m). On landing the approach speed is 51 mph (82 km/h), with a touch-down speed of 44 mph (71 km/h), giving a ground roll of as little as 200 ft (61 m).[2]

Only one Stolifter was built. The conversion was approved and the single aircraft produced was given a standard Certificate of Airworthiness. The aircraft still exists as of 2023 and is based in Lyman, Washington, USA.[3]

Specifications (Stolifter)

Data from Flight International[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: seven passengers
  • Empty weight: 2,600 lb (1,179 kg)
  • Gross weight: 4,700 lb (2,132 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 140 US Gallons (532 litres)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Garrett AiResearch TPE 331-25A turboprop, 575 hp (429 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 250 mph (400 km/h, 220 kn) at 20,000 feet
  • Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,700 ft/min (8.6 m/s)

References

  1. Goleta Air and Space Museum (n.d.). "Stolifter". http://www.air-and-space.com/conroy.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-24. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Flight International (November 1968). "Conroy Flies Stolifter". http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968%20-%202778.html?search=Stolifter. Retrieved 2009-12-14. 
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (14 March 2023). "FAA Registry - N-Number Inquiry Result N1414C". https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult. Retrieved 14 March 2023. 

External links