Bede BD-2

The Bede BD-2 was an American experimental powered sailplane designed by Jim Bede to attempt an unrefuelled round-the-world flight.[1]

Bede BD-2
Role Experimental powered sailplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Bede Aircraft
Designer Jim Bede
Number built 1
Developed from Schweizer SGS 2-32

Development

The BD-2 was a modified Schweizer SGS 2-32 fitted with a specially modified Continental IO-360-C engine.[1] The BD-2 could carry 565 US gallons (2138 litres) of fuel in wing and fuselage tanks, and the modified engine produced only 30 hp (22.4 kW) during the cruise part of the flight.[1]

The BD-2 made its first flight from Wichita on March 12, 1967.[2] Between November 7 and 10, 1969, the aircraft set a world closed-circuit flight distance record for piston-engined aircraft, in which it covered 8,973.38 miles (14,441.26 km) in 70 hours 15 minutes.[1][3] The flight had to be stopped following a complete electrical failure, and no further record flights were attempted by Bede.[1]

The BD-2 was modified by Javelin Aircraft of Wichita as the Phoenix, which was used by Jerry Mullens to set a new closed-circuit record for piston aircraft on December 5–8, 1981 of 10,070 mi (16207 km) in 73 h 2 min, which was also the longest non-refueled flight made by a solo pilot at the time.[4][5][6]

Specifications (Phoenix)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83[5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 27 ft 7 in (8.41 m)
  • Wingspan: 63 ft 0 in (19.20 m)
  • Wing area: 192 sq ft (17.8 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 20.7:1
  • Empty weight: 1,725 lb (782 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental IO-360C air-cooled six-cylinder, 230 hp (170 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 156 mph (251 km/h, 136 kn) at max takeoff weight, 108 mph (94 kn, 174 km/h) at 2,200 lb (998 kg)
  • Stall speed: 62 mph (100 km/h, 54 kn) at 1,900 lb
  • Never exceed speed: 194 mph (312 km/h, 169 kn)
  • Range: 20,500 mi (33,000 km, 17,800 nmi) estimated, still air
  • Endurance: 120 hr (estimated)
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See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

Notes
  1. Orbis 1985, p. 516
  2. Flight International 30 March 1967, p. 477.
  3. Taylor 1976, p. [72].
  4. Taylor 1982, p. [67]
  5. Taylor 1982, p. 548.
  6. Flight International 30 January 1982, p. 215.

Bibliography
  • "Around the world without refuelling". Flight International. No. 30 January 1982. pp. 214–215.
  • "Bede's Orbital Sailplane Flies". Flight International. No. 30 March 1967. p. 477.
  • Taylor, John W. R. (1976). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77. London: Jane's Yearbooks. ISBN 0-354-00538-3.
  • Taylor, John W. R. (1982). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83. London: Jane's Yearbooks. ISBN 0-7106-0748-2.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
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