Engineering:Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer

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Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer
Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer.jpg
Role Homebuilt aircraft
National origin United States of America
Designer Curtiss Kissinger, LeRoy Crookes

The Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer is a high-wing homebuilt glider based on the Amcraft Products model aircraft.

Design and development

The Flying Saucer is the first in a series of aircraft designs from Curtiss Kissinger, and LeRoy Crookes capable of carrying a pilot. It received a Patent No. 2,864,567.

The prototype was built using EMT electrical conduit. The wings use pine wood spars, and 1/8 inch plywood covering. The wing chord varies from center to tip to form a circular shape. The wings fold in segments for road travel.[1]

Operational history

The flying saucer was towed aloft on flight tests with a Nash Rambler. The prototype suffered structural damage on the first flight tests.

Specifications (Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer)

Data from Sport Aviation

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 1
  • Length: 14 ft (4.3 m)
  • Wingspan: 11 ft (3.4 m)
  • Height: 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
  • Wing area: 123 sq ft (11.4 m2)
  • Empty weight: 210 lb (95 kg)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 30 kn (35 mph, 56 km/h)

References

  1. Sport Aviation. April 1959.