The Theiss Speedster is an American Homebuiltultralightbiplane that was designed and produced by Theiss Aviation of Salem, Ohio. When it was available, the aircraft was supplied as a quick-build kit for amateur construction.[1]
The Speedster is intended to resemble a 1920s era sport aircraft.[1]
Design and development
The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254lb (115kg).
The aircraft is made from a combination of aluminium, wood, steel, and foam. Its 17.50ft (5.3m) span wing has a total wing area of 77.50sqft (7.200m2). The cabin width is 20in (51cm). The acceptable power range is 38 to 55hp (28 to 41kW), and the standard engine used is the two-stroke40hp (30kW)Kawasaki 440snowmobile powerplant.[1]
The Speedster has a typical empty weight of 252lb (114kg) and a gross weight of 460lb (210kg), giving a useful load of 208lb (94kg). With full fuel of 5 U.S. gallons (19L; 4.2impgal), the payload for the pilot and baggage is 178lb (81kg).[1]
The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off and landing roll with a 40hp (30kW) engine is 200ft (61m).[1]
The manufacturer estimates the construction time from the supplied kit as 400hours.[1]
After producing the Speedster, the company turned its attention to producing unmanned aerial vehicles for the US Navy and no longer produces manned aircraft.[2]
Operational history
By 1998, the company reported that two aircraft were completed and flying.[1]