Photograph:
A Smith DSA-1 Miniplane in the United States (Author’s collection)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Single-seat aerobatic sport biplane
Power Plant:
One 80 kw (108 hp) Lycoming O-235-C four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 5.18 m (17 ft)
- Length: 4.65 m (15 ft 3 in)
- Height: 1.52 m (5 ft)
- Wing area: 9.29 m² (100 sq ft)
- Max speed at sea level: 217 km/h (135 mph)
- Cruising speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
- Stalling speed: 90 km/h (56 mph)
- Max rate of climb at sea level: 380 m/min (1,250 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 3,960 m (13,000 ft)
- Range: 442 km (275 miles)
- Empty weight: 279 kg (616 lb)
- Loaded weight: 454 kg (1,000 lb)
History:
The DSA-1 Miniplane (DSA – Darned Small Airplane) was designed, and the prototype built, by Frank W Smith as a small open cockpit biplane of relatively simple construction, to be constructed by amateur builders, and to be capable of some aerobatics. Initial flight of the prototype was made on 29 October 1956 and this aircraft was designed to take a Continental C-85 engine. Subsequently plans were sold throughout the world and examples have been constructed with engines varying in power from 48 kw (65 hp) to 93 kw (125 hp), these usually being Continental or Lycoming four-cylinder air-cooled units, although at least one was fitted with a 112 kw (150 hp) engine, this necessitating some structural strengthening. At least 300 have appeared on the US Civil Aircraft Register over the years.
The wing was of braced wooden structure, with fabric covering; and the fuselage was of welded steel tube, also fabric covered. A non-retractable tailwheel undercarriage was fitted. The aircraft was a single-seater and a baggage area was provided for up to 27 kg (60 lb). The aircraft was only available to be built from plans supplied by the designer. The first of the series known to have been built in this area was constructed at Camden, NSW in the late 1970s but was never registered and may have been completed as an ultralight.
A couple of variants were produced. The original aircraft was the DSA-1 Miniplane designed by Frank Smith and it was followed by a two-seat model known as the Miniplane+1 designed by Donald Smith. The Miniplane 2000 was an updated variant released by Sky Classic Aircraft, and the Sport Miniplane was released in the 1990s with a new aerofoil, and a redesigned cockpit permitting room for larger pilots. Plans for amateur builders were made available by Sky Classic Aircraft.