Designed and built by Wilbur Staib, the LB-1 N5927V (X) was a single engine, open cockpit biplane with conventional landing gear. The low-cost construction included using brazed steel bedspring wire for wing-ribs, and bed-sheet muslin covering. Metal ribs are spaced on a wooden spar and normal construction methods are used throughout. The airfoil was patterned on a Taylorcraft BC-12D. Fuel is in two 6 USG tanks in the fuselage. The aircraft used three fuel tanks: one in the headrest, one in the baggage compartment and one against the firewall. The red and white checkerboard-painted aircraft was outfitted with a smoke system for air show work.
The top wings are swept back, and lower wings are straight. Both sets span 17 ft. Note that the centre pylon slopes inward from the fuselage top. Arrangement of the other struts is a pair of parallel struts and I-struts connecting the wings at the outer brace point. Ailerons are only provided on the lower wings.
Staib used the LB-1 to perform on the pro-akro circuit, performing stunts such as inverted ribbon cuts. His LB-1 was comparable to the Pitts Special flown by Betty Skelton at the same shows. The aircraft performed from 1949 to 1952.
By 1955 it had flown approximately 1000 hours. The prototype was registered as late as 1990.
Staib LB-1
Powerplant: 1 × Continental C-85
Propeller: 2-bladed Metal
Wingspan: 17 ft (5.2 m)
Wing area: 95 sq ft (8.8 m2)
Length: 15 ft (4.6 m)
Height: 4 ft 9 in
Empty weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
Fuel capacity: 17 U.S. gallons (64 L; 14 imp gal)
Maximum speed: 96 kn (110 mph, 180 km/h)
Cruise speed: 87 kn (100 mph, 160 km/h)
Cruise at 2450 rpm: 110 mph
Stall speed: 48 kn (55 mph, 89 km/h)
Endurance: 2.5hr
Crew: 1
All Aero 