Photograph:
Savage Monoplane ZK-BUD (c/n 1) at Paraparaumu, NZ in 1965 (Keith Morris -NZCIVAIR)
Country of origin:
New Zealand
Description:
Single-seat parasol wing light aircraft
Power Plant:
(Original)
One 26 kw (35 hp) 1,700 cc converted Henderson four-cylinder motor cycle engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 7.01 m (23 ft)
- Length: 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in)
- Wing chord: 1.27 m (4 ft 2 in)
- Wing loading: 0.24 kg/m² (5.8 lb/sq ft)
- Max speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
- Landing speed: 72 km/h (45 mph)
- Take-off run: 69 m (225 ft)
- Landing run: 32 m (135 ft)
- Empty weight: 159 kg (350 lb)
- Loaded weight: 240 kg (530 lb)
History:
The Savage Monoplane, or Savage Special as it was also known, was one of a small number of New Zealand-designed and amateur-built aircraft to be successfully flown, having been granted a Certificate of Airworthiness. Built during the period 1933 to 1936 by Messrs C Savage, RD Shaw, and PL Adams, the Savage was a high-wing, parasol-type monoplane of wooden construction with fabric covering.
The aircraft was built between 1933 and 1936 and made its first flight at New Brighton beach near Christchurch on 30 January 1939. However, due to the lack of power available from the converted Henderson engine it was not particularly successful. Some test flights were made but the aircraft was only flown occasionally. This power plant, a converted four-cylinder Henderson motor-cycle engine, was then considerably modified, the power available being increased from 15 kw (20 hp) to 28 kw (38 hp). This work was carried out by Mr Savage and his partners, who completed all the reconstruction with the exception of the casting of a new cylinder head. Some 18 months were involved in the design and construction of the engine, and finally it produced enough power to enable the aircraft to take-off on less than three-quarters throttle.
In 1938 the aircraft was again flown extensively, this time from Wigram, where it was the star on occasions of aero-club field days. During World War II it was stored, although it was borrowed for display purposes by the RNZAF at one stage to help raise bonds for Liberty Loan Week. After the war the Savage was taken to Harewood where some modifications were made at the request of the Civil Aviation Branch, and the registration ZK-ALV (c/n 1) was allotted. A permit was issued to operate the aircraft under certain limited conditions.
In 1950 it was sold. Subsequently the aircraft had several owners, including Mr R Hones at Levels Airfield, Timaru. However, the engine crankshaft was damaged and the registration was cancelled. Eventually the engine from a Heath Super Parasol (ZK-ACW) was obtained, and was reconditioned in Sydney, NSW by the Clancy Brothers. Power was increased from 21 kw (28 hp) to 34 kw (45 hp). The engine was then fitted and is still installed. The first certificate of airworthiness was issued on 19 December 1947 as ZK-ALV. This was cancelled on 11 March 1957. On 4 April 1959 a ‘permit to fly’ was issued, with the new registration ZK-BUD being allotted on 14 June that year. The aircraft was withdrawn from use on 19 October 1992.