DOUGS PROJECT PAGE
ARCHIVES
RESOURCES
OTHER AIRCARS

Doug Palmers' Unofficial Spencer Air-Car Home Page

Click Here to View My Project
N351DP                   It Flys! Over the Pacific Coast 9/18/2008
Overview of the Spencer Aircar
Link to Spence Biography
The Spencer Aircar Model S-12-E is the twelfth aircraft designed by Percival Hopkins Spencer (1897-1995), designer of the Republic RC-3 Seabee.  The basic design dates back to World War II  with Aircar #1  which Spencer designed, built and flew in 1941.

 
   The Model S-12-E is Spence's  home built version from plans. It is a wood core composite structure using Sitka spruce and mahogany plywood, the hull is covered with fiberglass for waterproofing and additional strength.  The prototype was constructed in 18 months, however it takes the average builder 4000 to 5000 hours to complete an Aircar.  A retractable tri-cycle landing gear uses standard Cessna style gear legs as mains and a retractable nose gear that doubles as a bumper for docking.    The Aircar seats four people comfortably with additional space for cargo. 
Cutaway sketch
Cutaway of the Spencer Aircar
(click to zoom)

Empty weight is 2300 lbs., Gross weight is 3400 lbs. Wing loading is 17.1 lbs, Power loading is 12.1 lbs.  It has been traditionally powered by either the Continental Tiara 6-285, Continental IO-470, IO-520 or Lycoming IO-540.  The main fuel tank carries 46 gallons and there is additional fuel storage of 25 gallons in each of the wing float tanks.


 DIMENSIONS:
37' 4" Wing Span
184 Sq. Ft. Wing Area
5° Wing Sweep Back
26' 05" O.A. Length
9' 06" Height
8' 04" Wheel Tread
10' 02" Wheel Base
45" Cabin Width (Inside At Front Seats)
40" Cabin Width (Inside at Rear Seats)
45" Cabin Height (Floor to Ceiling at Front Seats)
47" Cabin Height (Floor to Ceiling at Rear Seats)
8' 06" Cabin Length (Rear Wall to Nose)
 

     Today there are  rumored to be approximately 40 aircars flying worldwide.  I Personally know of about a dozen on this continent.  The Prototype N111DA was first flown in 1970 and is still in service today. 
     The Aircar has a Cruise speed of 133 MPH (75% Power, 6000 ft.) and a 152 MPH Top Speed (S.L. Gross),  It will Climb at 1000 Ft. Min (Full Gross).  The Aircar has STOL Performance and a 65MPH Stall (S.L. 3100 Ibs. Clean)  55 MPH Stall (S.L. 3100 flaps 35°)

Thanks Caroline!
Subscribe to Aircar group
Powered by YahooGroups.com

Feel Free to join our Spencer Aircar Mailing list courtesy of YahooGroups.com
  
Thanks for visiting my home page!  I encourage feedback and participation.  Due to the high level of spam I get, I am no longer publishing my email address on the web.  To contact me please do so through the Yahoo Group. 
Thank you, Doug
DOUGS PROJECT PAGE
ARCHIVES
RESOURCES
OTHER AIRCARS

Disclaimer:  This site is designed and published by an enthusiastic amateur builder and should in no way be viewed as an official company web site.  Some data may be incorrect and/or out of date