Photograph:
Porterfield LP-65 Collegiate 24-8081 (c/n 953) at Cowra, NSW in March 2012 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Two-seat touring and training monoplane
Power Plant:
One 48 kw (65 hp) Lycoming O-145-B1 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.63 m (34 ft 9 in)
- Length: 6.94 m (22 ft 8 in)
- Height: 2.14 m (6 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 15.68 m² (168.8 sq ft)
- Max speed: 174 km/h (108 mph)
- Cruising speed at sea level: 158 km/h (98 mph)
- Stalling speed: 60 km/h (37 mph)
- Take-off run over 15 m (50 ft) barrier: 293 m (960 ft)
- Cruising range at 80% power at 1,829 m (6,000 ft): 483 km (300 miles)
- Empty weight: 318 kg (700 lb)
- Useful load: 227 kg (500 lb)
- Baggage allowance: 18 kg (40 lb)
- Loaded weight: 526 kg (1,160 lb)
History:
In 1939 Porterfield Aircraft Corp in Kansas City introduced a new range of light two-seat in tandem cabin monoplanes which were a development of the earlier Model 35 series. These were known as the CP-50, CP-55, CP-65, FP-65 and LP-65, the initial letter identifying the type of engine installed, ie Continental, Franklin or Lycoming, and the horsepower was indicated by the number. The most widely used model was the CP-65. The type was popular, with 10 to 12 examples being produced each week by July 1940. It was slightly larger and heavier than the Model 35 and most went to the Civilian Pilot Training Program sponsored by the US Government which operated from 1938 to 1944 to provide aircrew for the military. About 400 were completed when production ceased in order to deal with US Army contracts to build troop-carrying gliders for the invasion of Normandy in north-western France.
The Collegiate, as it was known, seated two and as production continued into the war most were allotted to flying schools. The LP-65 either had the Lycoming O-145-B1 or B2 engine, both of which produced 48 kw (65 hp) at 2,550 rpm. A further model was produced as the FP-60 with a Franklin 4AC-171-A1 engine. All models could be, and often were, fitted with floats or skis.
The fuselage framework was built up of welded chrome-moly and 1025 steel tubing in a Warren truss, faired to shape with wooden fairing strips and covered with fabric. The wing framework was built of solid spruce spar beams with spruce and plywood truss type wing ribs, the leading edges covered with dural metal sheet and the complete framework covered in fabric.
First of the type seen in this region was imported in early 2012, becoming VH-POF (c/n 953) to its owner and owner Mr R Glenn of Canowindra, NSW. However, on 24 March it was noted registered under RAA regulations as 24-8081.