In a stunning move, Wood and his team at Spirit Engineering made waves at the show by flying not one, but four SE–1 aircraft from Grand Junction, Colorado, to Oshkosh. After a decade of quiet development, the SE–1 finally took shape last October, and just weeks before AirVenture, it received its special light sport aircraft certificate. Wood explained their stealthy approach: “We wanted to make sure we had a fully developed aircraft and engine before making any announcements. Now, we’re here to showcase what we’ve accomplished.”
The SE–1 is a marvel of engineering, boasting a takeoff distance of just 500 feet and a climb rate of 750 feet per minute. It cruises at over 100 miles per hour, all while being powered by the innovative Spirit V2 engine. This inverted v-twin engine, designed in-house, delivers 42 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and sips fuel at a rate of 2 gallons per hour. With an 8-gallon fuel capacity, the SE–1 can cover 400 miles without reserve. Wood humorously noted their struggle to name the engine, inviting suggestions from the public.
Weighing only 440 pounds empty, the SE–1 is a lightweight, single-seat aircraft with a gross weight of 740 pounds, allowing for a 300-pound useful load. While it’s not built for long-distance travel, it’s perfect for recreational flying. Its sleek design and shiny finish make it a head-turner, and its folding wings offer the convenience of garage storage. The trailing link main landing gear is another standout feature, providing a larger effective wheel diameter for smoother landings. The SE–1 is truly a blend of beauty and innovation, designed to captivate aviation enthusiasts.
#AviationInnovation #LightSportAircraft #SpiritEngineering #SE1 #AirVenture2023
Originally reported by AOPA General Aviation News Read More
