Nesmith Cougar
Nesmith Cougar Comet Nesmith Chigger Landoll's Skydoll
![]() Cougar 1
The design, by Robert Nesmith, is a conventional high-wing, strut-braced monoplane with fixed tailwheel undercarriage. The pilot and a single passenger were seated side-by-side with dual controls. The fuselage and empennage were of welded steel-tube construction, while the wings were of wood, and the whole aircraft was fabric-covered. Continental engines of C75, C85 and C90 can be used.
The first, N75282, first flew in March 1957.
With a redline speed of 195 mph, the Cougar maintains a brisk cruise of 120 to 165 mph, depending on choice of engine which can range form 65 hp to 125 hp. Landing approach is done at 80 mph and touchdown is around 70.
![]() Cougar C-1 by Warren Croace
The original Cougar design was marketed by Nesmith himself. The design was modified by Leonard Eaves for an EAA design contest in 1963, principally for the purpose of including folding wings. When the modified Cougar won an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) design competition in 1963, that organization took over selling plans. Rights to the design were eventually purchased by Acro Sport.
The aircraft can be towed to and from the airport on its own landing gear.
The aircraft shape was influenced by the Beechcraft Staggerwing and Wittman Tailwind. The name came from the college of Nesmith's daughter, the University of Houston, whose athletic mascot is a cougar.
Variants: Nesmith Cougar Nesmith Cougar Comet Nesmith Chigger & Landoll's Skydoll
Variation:
Engine: Lycoming O-235, 115-hp (86 kW)
|