Ercoupe 415C

FTLComm - Tisdale - May 5, 1999

The first Aircoupe rolled off assembly lines in 1937 and looked pretty much like this postwar model. The aircraft was a concept machine, designed to safely put ordinary folks into the air. This all metal, cleanly designed airplane, had no rudder peddles on the first version, as the rudders were linked to the ailerons and elevator for true coordinated flight. Intended to be as straightforward as steering a car, the Aircoupe cruised at 114 mph with its 90 hp engine

with a range of 615 miles and a load of 930 pounds, which includes its 25 US gallons of fuel. The designers were able to achieve an almost stall proof plane by limiting the travel of the elevator prevent stall angle being achieved. But indeed it would stall, but that speed was 48 mph and it could take off in 540 feet and land in 350, while at the same time being able to climb to

17,300 ft. This example owned by Jim Hendren of Kelvington is one of the first to be made after the war and came with an 85 hp engine cruised slightly slower and had a 430 mile range. This one is slightly heavier then the stock model at 571 kg while the original weighed 838 pounds.

The Ercoupe's production ended in 1951 but it was sold to Fornaire who went on to produce AirCoupe's with rudder peddle in 1955 it was then sold to Air Products who made some between 60 and 62 then Alon bought the design in 64 who called it the AirCoupe A-2 though except for the canopy it was the same machine which Mooney bought and marketed as the A-2 Cadet in 1968 and later the M10 Cadet but

production ended in 1970 when Mooney was purchased by Aerostar. Through all those years these fine little planes have proved endless hours of fun and safe aviation experience by their many owners.

The aircraft's main problem of course is its size, it can only handle two small people or one big one and its limited range meant that it was destine to be used for recreational flying. However, I have known people to do some

remarkable things with one of these and live to tell the story afterward. The airplane is remarkable sturdy, easy to service and maintain and handles like a gentle bird in the air.

--------------References:

The Ercoupe Network and Owner's club great site with loads of pictures of member's airplaines in a great assortment of colours.

Artie Langston's Ercoupe Page This site has a good history of the plane and a series of advertising pictures used over the years.

Wayne Hannah's Ercoupe 415-CD - Nice site with some pictures of this man's airplane.

Neat picture of a Ercoupe on floats with Manhattan in the background.

Interesting story about a pilot who lost the prop from an Ercoupe in flight.

This is a fabulous page with information about the development of the aircraft and experiements with it. Among the various tables is one showing the production each year and the 415C appears to be the most numerous with over 4500 being made.

Here are some tips for the prospective owner of a Ercoupe.

Keith is the owner of a 1966 version of the Alon Aircoupe and has an interesting web site.


*FTLComm - Tisdale - May 5, 1999*

The first Aircoupe rolled off assembly lines in 1937 and looked pretty much like this postwar model. The aircraft was a concept machine, designed to safely put ordinary folks into the air. This all metal, cleanly designed airplane, had no rudder peddles on the first version, as the rudders were linked to the ailerons and elevator for true coordinated flight. Intended to be as straightforward as steering a car, the Aircoupe cruised at 114 mph with its 90 hp engine

with a range of 615 miles and a load of 930 pounds, which includes its 25 US gallons of fuel. The designers were able to achieve an almost stall proof plane by limiting the travel of the elevator prevent stall angle being achieved. But indeed it would stall, but that speed was 48 mph and it could take off in 540 feet and land in 350, while at the same time being able to climb to

17,300 ft. This example owned by Jim Hendren of Kelvington is one of the first to be made after the war and came with an 85 hp engine cruised slightly slower and had a 430 mile range. This one is slightly heavier then the stock model at 571 kg while the original weighed 838 pounds. The Ercoupe's production ended in 1951 but it was sold to Fornaire who went on to produce AirCoupe's with rudder peddle in 1955 it was then sold to Air Products who made some between 60 and 62 then Alon bought the design in 64 who called it the AirCoupe A-2 though except for the canopy it was the same machine which Mooney bought and marketed as the A-2 Cadet in 1968 and later the M10 Cadet but

production ended in 1970 when Mooney was purchased by Aerostar. Through all those years these fine little planes have proved endless hours of fun and safe aviation experience by their many owners. The aircraft's main problem of course is its size, it can only handle two small people or one big one and its limited range meant that it was destine to be used for recreational flying. However, I have known people to do some
remarkable things with one of these and live to tell the story afterward. The airplane is remarkable sturdy, easy to service and maintain and handles like a gentle bird in the air.

--------------References:

	The Ercoupe Network and Owner's club great site with loads of pictures of member's airplaines in a great assortment of colours.

	Artie Langston's Ercoupe Page This site has a good history of the plane and a series of advertising pictures used over the years.

	Wayne Hannah's Ercoupe 415-CD - Nice site with some pictures of this man's airplane.

	Neat picture of a Ercoupe on floats with Manhattan in the background.

	Interesting story about a pilot who lost the prop from an Ercoupe in flight.

	This is a fabulous page with information about the development of the aircraft and experiements with it. Among the various tables is one showing the production each year and the 415C appears to be the most numerous with over 4500 being made.

	Here are some tips for the prospective owner of a Ercoupe.

	Keith is the owner of a 1966 version of the Alon Aircoupe and has an interesting web site.