The primary appeal of the Smith Miniplane is its small-size construction simplicity and open-cockpit. The fuselage framework is a conventional truss structure of welded steel tubing, faired to shape with wood stringers. As on most similar designs, the vertical stabilizer is welded up as part of the rear fuselage structure. The wings are made from spruce spars and ribs. Several engines can provide the power, the Continental from 65 to 85 hp or the Lycoming from 100 to 125 hp.
There have been hundreds of the original Smith Miniplane Biplanes built and flying today. In 1996 plans cost US$140.
Sky Classic Aircraft introduced the 2000 version of the Smith Miniplane Biplane. Many of the parts and pieces on the aircraft were simplified to make it easier to build.
Changes include: 1) New wing fittings to simplify building. 2) Stretched the length of the fuselage by 5 inches to accommodate a larger person. 3) Stretched the width of the fuselage by 2 inches to accommodate a larger person. 4) Added a trim tab to the elevator. 5) Reshaped the rudder assembly to look more racy. 6) Added struts to the horizontal stabilizer to stop any cracking like the Pitts did. 7) Changed the wing foil to a NASA 23013. Good for aerobatics yet very stable with less drag. 8) Changed the wing angles of attack to fix an old problem on the old aircraft. 9) Reduced the rudder control speed to make it just a little easier to fly. 10) Aircraft plans on computer CAD so that they are easy to read. 11) Adding springs to the original type landing gear.