Photograph:
Evans VP-1 Volksplane VH-RBI² (c/n 0410E/N55) at Wedderburn, NSW in November 1983 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Single-seat light homebuilt monoplane
Power Plant:
One 30 kw (40 hp) modified Volkswagen four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 7.31 m (24 ft)
- Length: 5.48 m (18 ft)
- Wing area: 9.29 m² (100 sq ft)
- Max speed: 153 km/h (95 mph)
- Cruising speed: 121 km/h (75 mph)
- Stalling speed: 72 km/h (45 mph)
- Rate of climb: 183 m/min (600 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
- Take-off run: 152 m (500 ft)
- Landing run: 122 m (400 ft)
- Range: 322 km (200 miles)
- Empty weight: 215 kg (475 lb)
- Loaded weight: 311 kg (685 lb)
History:
The Evans VP-1 and VP-2 series of light homebuilt aircraft was designed by Mr W S Evans in the United States of America with the idea of producing an aircraft which would be simple to build for the amateur constructor, and safe to fly with its all-wood construction. The prototype VP-1 flew for the first time in 1968. The wing, which consisted of two solid spruce spars, plywood ribs, internal bracing, and fabric covering, was made in two separate panels, each bolted to the fuselage at the inboard end and externally braced by streamline tubular struts. The fuselage was a square, wooden box structure, plywood covered. An all-moving tailplane with an anti-servo tab, and a single all-moving rudder, were fitted, both being fabric covered.
To achieve these results, performance and aesthetic appearance were sacrificed, but in the end a satisfactory aircraft resulted, and large numbers have been built throughout the world. Thirteen have appeared on the Australian register and seven on the New Zealand register. Two variants of the VP-1 became available, the VP-1 and VP-1A, the latter having the all-up weight increased to 363 kg (800 lb).