Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I posted the Barnstormers ad a few weeks ago for N806FT and, in the process, have corresponded with a bunch of folks looking for a Thorp. One guy in particular (Brook) has his heart set on a folding-wing variant. Brook seems enthusiastic and knowledgeable, so it would be great if we can find him a Thorp to meet his requirements.

I own an S-18, although I haven't folded the wings and don't plan on it. Even so, I understand the appeal with regards to portability and footprint.

Do any of you guys know of a T-18C, T-18CW, or S-18 that is for sale or might be on the market soon?

I'm sending Brook a link to this post and he can chime in with further requirements, if needed.

Hello,

I have been looking for a T-18 as well and new to the forum. There is one for sale on Barnstormers in Florida that has the folding wings and a IO-360. Looks like a good plane, but photos can be deceiving. just out of my budget at this time.

https://www.barnstormers.com/listing.php?catid=19041

That aircraft, N820DD, was for sale two years ago and I flew it with the previous owner. I have numerous close-up photos of the airframe, engine, and interior that I could share. Send me PM if interested. Some features have been changed, so the photos I have may not be relevant.

I would be interested in the photos and any information. mmelugin48@gmail.com

DrDrift.

I bought that airplane and would like to see any pictures that you have. As you have flown it I would like to hear your comments?
speedbird 1 AKA Brian Dunlop
speedbird1@bresnan.net

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming

Brian, what are your comments on the plane? That one came up just after I bought mine and looked like a nice one.

Hi Chad,

I have yet to see the airplane although I am a bit concerned on the weight and the high stall speed. Not from the handling point of view as I have lots of tailwheel time, but for those little wheels. I see a few tire changes in my future.
I would really like to hear what DrDrift thought about it when he had a flight in it. Since he flew it, it has acquired a Catto three blade fixed pitch prop' which will help the weight issue and the CofG as well as ground clearance.
Speedbird1

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming

What's the weight? I have an 0-290 893lbs can't remember what my 360 weighted but never remembering it to be a problem.

Chad,

With the IO360 and the constant speed prop it was around 1050lbs, so with the Catto it will be a good bit less I hope??
speedbird 1.

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming

Mine weighs about 1030 and does just fine.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Hi fytrplt,

If yours is about the same weight may I ask what your stall speed is??

Speedbird1

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming

Hmm I saw 872DD at oshkosh a few years ago the owner at that time had the empty weight listed as 1200+ .... you may want to put it on some scales ... it’s high stall speed is related to the extra lbs.

I also fly a 1050 lb 0-360/CS Thorp ... stalls at 55/60 flaps/clean, this is with the LS airfoil.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Stall with flaps down, two folks on board, is 59 mph. Flaps up, about 63.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Thank you all for your inputs,

Once I get the airplane home it will indeed go on the scales. I have been given a weight of 1050lbs with a constant speed prop. A stall speed, that has been checked, of 80mph clean and 77mph with full flap. All a but rapid and at 4000ft even faster over the ground.
Cubes knows someone who has flown it and confirms the 80mph number to be correct.
The speed in itself is not a worry but the tire wear and especially that little tailwheel. I have 9000ft to play with so no worries about going into the bushes at the end.
I feel that VG's may help but again I have seen reports where VG's did not affect the stall, but did make the stall much nicer to handle.
I guess only time will tell once I get it back home. I will keep you posted.
Speedbird 1

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming

Hey John Evans. How much slower did your bird stall with the Kleber tips?
Might be a player, but certainly not 20kts.
Cubes