Photograph:
The Sheppard CS-2 on display at the South Australian Aviation Museum (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Australia
Description:
Single-seat light sport aircraft
Power Plant:
One 20 kw (27 hp) four-cylinder in-line Henderson Ace converted motor-bike engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 7.62 m (25 ft)
- Length: 5 m (16 ft 8 in)
- Empty weight: 174 kg (385 lb)
History:
The Sheppard CS-2 was one of many light homebuilt aircraft built during the halcyon days of the 1930s when, following many record attempts, much interest was shown around the world in light aircraft. Mr C R Sheppard, who was born in October 1914, joined his family’s firm of jewellers in Adelaide, SA as a watchmaker after completing his education. Like many young people of his time, he became interested in aviation and, in 1930, constructed his own glider, known as the CS-1, making flights from Waikerie in South Australia. In 1938 he designed the CS-2, making chalk sketches on his parents lounge-room floor, the aircraft being constructed in the family garage at the home in Kensington Park, a suburb of Adelaide. His mother sewed the fabric together using the household sewing machine. By 1938, after spending his spare time on the project, it was ready to fly.
The aircraft had a parasol wing, similar to that of the Luton Minor, and it could be folded so the aircraft could be towed behind a motor vehicle. Power plant was a converted 20 kw (27 hp) at 2,700 rpm 1927 Henderson motor-bike engine, being a four-cylinder side-valve in-line unit with a bore of 70 mm (2¼ in) and a stroke of 89 mm (3½ in). The aircraft was towed, with the wings folded, to Virginia, north of Adelaide, where a number of flights were made by Mr William Maddocks. The aircraft has survived and is on display at the South Australian Aviation Museum at Port Adelaide.