Arrow Sport

History

The Arrow Sport series, developed by Arrow Aircraft and Motors in the USA, was a sporty biplane designed by Swedish aircraft designer Swen Swanson in the 1920s. It featured an open cockpit where the pilot and passenger sat side-by-side, with a traditional "up and down" outrigger plane setup. Initially lacking visible support structures on the wings, the design eventually incorporated "N" shaped struts for additional reassurance, although they did not provide any structural support.

Powered by various engines including LeBlond radial-piston and Kinner K-5 radial engines, different models like the "Sport 85" and "Sport A2" variants were introduced, each with its own modifications and capabilities. The A2-60 variant, in particular, was popular, boasting dimensions of 19.2 feet length, 25.9 feet wingspan, and 7.4 feet height, with a cruising speed of around 85 mph and a stall speed of 30 mph. It was suitable for flight training and sports flying, offering a range of up to 200 miles.

In addition to the original biplane design, monoplane versions like the "Sport Pursuit" with a Kinner K-5 radial engine and the "Sport V-8" powered by an 82-horsepower Ford V8 automotive engine were introduced later on. Despite moderate success with around 100 copies produced, production of the Arrow Sport series dwindled over a decade after peaking in 1931, with very few surviving aircraft today.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1927

Origins: United States

Status: Retirement

Crew: 2

Production: 100

Manufacturer: Arrow Aircraft and Motors - USA

Operator: United States

Distinctive Features

Multi-wing: Added more main aircraft to improve inherent agility and provide tactical advantage in close combat.

Sturdy aircraft frame: The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High performance: The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance: Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 19.3 feet (5.87 m)

Width/span: 25.8 feet (7.87 m)

Height: 7.4 feet (2.26 m)

Cured weight: 904 lbs (410 kg)

MTOW: 1,345 lbs (610 kg)

Main surface structure

Biplane: The design features a biplane wing arrangement with one main plane element on top of the other. Biplanes have improved agility at the expense of increased drag.

Up and down: Two main aircraft configurations where elements are stacked and positioned at different points on the fuselage.

Straight: Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 1 x LeBlond 5D 60hp air-cooled radial piston engine driving a two-bladed propeller in the nose.

Max Speed: 99 mph (160 kph | 86 kts)

Cruise Speed: 85 mph (137 kph | 74 kts)

Ceiling: 14,108 ft (4,300 m | 3 mi)

Range: 199 mi (320 km | 593 nm)