Stroop “X-Wing” Convertible Speed Planes for the USAAC (1935-9)

[jzichek]

A new post is up at RetroMechanix.com presenting the Robert C. Stroop SP-6 and SP-7 "Speed Plane" projects of 1935-9:

These were a pair of designs submitted to the US Army Air Corps which featured a folding scissor "X-wing" to convert the aircraft from biplane to monoplane configuration, the intention being to combine the short field length and climb capabilities of the former with the speed of the latter. The article features 10 images reproducing rare correspondence, drawings, and photos relating to these unusual and innovative projects.


-Jared

 

[Stargazer]

When you think you've just about seen it all, there's always something new and unexpected coming from the pre-war United States!

 

[Jemiba]

Would be interesting to see, how they achieved a reasonable airfoil for the folded wing.
The photo of the bare mockup suggests, that, when retracted the lower wing formed the
flush underside for the upper wing, which its inward curved underside. But if such an
arrangement actually would have had aerodynamic benefits, I'm still doubting.
Nevertheless, it makes the Incom T-65 X-Wing much more plausible ! ;D

 

[Avimimus]

Neat! Nikitin-Shevchenko wasn't the only team to plan polymorphic bi-planes in this era!

 

[hesham]

Hi,


and from my dear Deltafan source,the Stroop aircraft.

 

[hesham]

Hi,


http://p-d-m.livejournal.com/174473.html