M-19 Flying Squirrel
The M-19 is a single-place, high-wing,
conventional fixed gear (taildragger) aircraft powered by the
Volkswagen engine converted for aircraft use. Recommended horsepower
is in the range of 50-60 HP. Any less than that will probably work,
but will be borderline in performance. Any more than that will be
extra weight and fuel consumption, and won't gain you much of value.
The basic design does not include brakes, wing flaps, or trim.
The Barnard M-19 "Flying Squirrel" is
the sport pilot's airplane, an affordable, simple, reliable
homebuilt airplane that brings with it a return to flying the way it
was intended to be. Many other homebuilt and kit designs have made
these same claims, but very few have delivered. This one does, and
Marvin Barnard is the main reason why.
The M-19 was conceived and designed by Marvin R. Barnard, a man who
has managed to focus on the most basic of motivations for
homebuilding: to create an airplane which can be built quickly and
easily using basic materials and methods, at the lowest possible
cost. Marvin built and tested the prototype, and flies it regularly.
The M-19 will probably be out of its element if you put a full
electrical system, leather interior, glossy paint job, IFR panel,
fairings, or other dress-up items in or on it. This airplane will be
happiest with you out flying it, not fiddling with it in the hangar
or shop, or tacking some extra weight onto it. You want to go dodge
some clouds and scout some terrain... so does the Squirrel! You want
to fly for an hour or two without having to go through a half-hour
preflight... so does the Squirrel! You want to go to a fly-in
somewhere over the county line, and not have to save up for a week
or two to afford the gas... the Squirrel can do it!
Ask yourself why you took up flying; list all the reasons. The
Squirrel can probably answer most of those except for flying fast
and carrying passengers. The M-19 represents "stick and rudder"
flying at its finest, and will keep your piloting skills where they
need to be. This is not an airplane that you can put in a climb,
intercept a vector, and engage the autopilot; this airplane needs
for YOU to fly it. There are no optional extra controls, trim
wheels, engage/disengage accessories- this airplane needs for you to
be the pilot.
Similarly, there are no kit-in-a-box
prefab parts; this airplane needs for you to be the builder.
Whatever needs to go on this airplane must be fabricated, but the
plans and manual are very detailed and complete, and the determined
builder should have no trouble fabricating and assembling the
airplane from the information supplied. Materials lists are
provided, and Wicks Aircraft Supply has assembled a fairly complete
package of materials which can be purchased instead of "shopping
around" for bits and pieces, but the beauty of this airplane is that
you can build it inexpensively by using your own ingenuity and
"outsourcing skills" (scrounging) to get what you need to build it.
Aviation-grade materials and techniques are specified, but the
individual builder is the essential ingredient to producing a
strong, reliable, airworthy aircraft.
specifications
powerplant
propeller
length
height
wing span
wing area
seats
empty weight
useful load
gross weight
fuel capacity
range |
VW 1641cc HP
Range50/38-70
x
16.1ft
5.4ft
24.1ft
104sq.ft
1
494lb
x
800lb
8 US gal
240nm. |
performance
takeoff distance,
ground roll
rate of climb
max speed
cruise speed
landing distance, ground roll
service ceiling |
500ft
700fpm
90mph
80mph
500ft
13,000ft |
limiting and recommended speeds
design manoeuvring speed (Va)
never exceed speed (Vne)
stall, power off (Vsl)
landing approach speed |
x
x
38mph
x |
All specifications are based on manufacturer's
calculations |
Low-cost construction of wood-formed fibreglass;
very rugged and easily constructed;
STOL characteristics. VW engine uses 89
octane automotive fuel.
|