Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hopefully this question isn't too far off the wall, but is there a tandem seat version of the T-18? I went for a ride in one about two years ago, and I could have sworn it was tandem seating vs. side-by-side.

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Aircraft flown: T-18, T-41C, T-6A, PA-12, C-140, C-172, MQ-1, MQ-9, RV-10, & Very EZ.

MiX

There are several Thorps that have jump seats in the baggage compartment (around 90lb max), and at least one "4 seat" T-18 (really 3) that has an enlarged back seat. But no 2 place tandem Thorps.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I find the idea intriguing, but also see some difficulties: you would need to be careful to prevent an aft CG condition. Also, you would need a different canopy or the back seater would sit very low and have a poor view. The higher canopy at the back might have an adverse effect on the vertical stab & rudder, similar to the P-51 switching from a razorback to the D model bubble canopy.
The elevator control and rudder cables pass thru the center tunnel, which is above the seat pan, so you would be modifying the primary flight controls, never a good idea. One thing leads to another, I know, I'm paying the price of modification with my RV-8 project.
My personal opinion is that John Thorp was very talented and built a carefully integrated aircraft that requires especial care to modify, not like hanging a huge radial on a Stearman.

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Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE