Pitts Model 12
| Pitts Model 12 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Factory-built Pitts 12S | |
| Role | Biplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | 92nd West Aviation |
| Designer | Curtis Pitts |
| First flight | March 1996 |
| Number built | 59 (2011)[1] |
The Pitts Model 12 (also known by its nicknames "Bolshoi," "Macho Stinker," and "Pitts Monster"[1]) is a high-performance[2]) aerobatic biplane designed around the Vedeneyev M14P/PF Russian engine. The aircraft can be built from plans or as a kit plane, or bought ready-to-fly from the factory.[3]
Design and development
[edit]The Pitts Model 12 was designed by Curtis Pitts starting in 1993. Pitts presented his completed design on his 80th birthday in December 1995.[4]
The Pitts Model 12 is a biplane built using fabric covered welded steel tubing for the fuselage, and fabric covered wings with wood spars. The leading edge is made of formed plywood. The landing gear is solid aluminum.
Operational history
[edit]As of December 2011[update], 59 examples had been completed and flown.[1]
Variants
[edit]There are several model variants:
- Plans built
- HP model - kit
- Model 12S - factory built
- A single-place variant called "The Beast" constructed by Jim Kimball[5]
Specifications (Pitts Model 12)
[edit]Data from Pitts model 12.com
General characteristics
- Capacity: 2
- Length: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
- Wingspan: 23 ft (7.0 m)
- Empty weight: 1,550 lb (703 kg)
- Gross weight: 2,250 lb (1,021 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 54 gal
- Powerplant: 1 × Vedeneyev M14P/PF , 360 hp (270 kW)
- Propellers: 3-bladed MT Propeller
Performance
- Cruise speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 270 km/h)
- Stall speed: 56 kn (64 mph, 103 km/h)
- Range: 430 nmi (500 mi, 800 km)
- Rate of climb: 2,900 ft/min (15 m/s)
References
[edit]- ^ a b Vandermeullen, Richard (December 2011). "2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide". Kitplanes. Vol. 28, no. 12. Belvoir Publications. p. 58. ISSN 0891-1851.
- ^ Purdy, Don, ed. (1998). AeroCrafter: Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook (5th ed.). BAI Communications. p. 207. ISBN 0963640941.
- ^ Kitplanes. Belvoir Publications. June 2004. ISSN 0891-1851.
{{cite magazine}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "History". Pitts Model 12. Jim Kimball Enterprises. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ "The Biplane". The Beast. Archived from the original on 26 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Pitts Model 12 at Wikimedia Commons