Photos by Jan Morgan
Great Machines: Reissuing a Classic Biplane
June 2, 2004
WACO YMF SUPER
The 1920s and ’30s were, indeed, the romantic golden age of
aviation. During that time any aircraft was special, and even being close enough
to touch one was quite a treat. To ride in one was for many a
once-in-a-lifetime—and in some cases, a life-changing—experience. During this
period, the Weaver Aircraft Co. (WACO) flourished and was among the largest
aircraft manufacturers in the world. WACO (the acronym rhymes with “taco”)
produced rugged biplanes with excellent flying characteristics, and its
customers ranged from wealthy sportsmen and air show barnstormers to flight
schools and the military.
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
The WACO YMF Super is built from original drawings, albeit with a number of
slight detail changes, and produced under its original 50-year-old
FAA-type
certificate. (Click image to enlarge)WACO’s premier design was the YMF, a large biplane
that had a wide front cockpit suitable for two passengers (an advantage to the
barnstormer giving rides at five bucks a head) and a reliable Jacobs 7-cylinder
radial engine. The technology in this aircraft represented the best efforts of
WACO and was the finest example of its type available at the time. ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
In 1983,
a group of aviation enthusiasts created the Classic Aircraft Corp., with the
purpose of again producing the WACO YMF. This would not be a modern
interpretation of the original design, but the original aircraft developed from
the original drawings and produced under its original 50-year-old FAA-type
certificate. Of course, there would be improvements, including using modern 4130
steel for the framework in lieu of the original’s corrosion-prone and heavier
mild steel tube. Modern Cleveland hydraulic toe brakes and the latest avionics
were another change. In total, more than 300 detail changes improved comfort,
safety, serviceability, and reliability. (Click image to enlarge)
advertisement
