The Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman (or Chubasco) is a two-place, side by side, closed cabin, highwing monoplane, amphibious flying boat. Designed by Mr. Volmer Jensen, the Sportsman first flew on 22 December 1958 as an original design based on an earlier aircraft, the VJ-21, a high-wing pusher that contributed much data for the Sportsman.
Construction of the original Sportsman started in September 1957 and was completed in December 1958. The rigid, corrosion proof hull is made of 1/16 inch and 3/32 inch aircraft mahogany plywood with 1/4 inch plywood at the step for maximum strength and covered with fiberglass for added protection. The fin is built integral with the hull. The Sportsman can use fabric-covered Aeronca Chief or Champion wings. The wing panels are identical to those of the Aeronca Chief and consist of front and rear solid spruce spars, aluminium ribs, steel tube compression members and internal wire bracing. Each panel is externally braced by steel tube V struts to the fuselage. Floats are attached, and are braced to the outboard end of each wing. The main undercarriage retracts by swinging forward 90o. Shock absorption is by means of rubber bungee cord. The tailwheel incorporates a water rudder, and retracts upwards when not required. The pusher engine is mounted on a steel tube structure above the wing. To facilitate storage, the wings may be removed by undoing the few retaining bolts.
Numerous testing from calm water to five foot swells in the open sea have proven the design to be both extremely airworthy and seaworthy. Wings are wood spar and ribs, fabric covered. It takes off from water at sea level in about 20 seconds. The VJ-22 is powered by a Continental C-85, starter and gen. It has a cruising speed of 85 mph and stalls at 45 mph.
Suited to Continental s from the C85 to the O-200, most VJ-22 have their pylon-mounted engine mounted as a pusher, but one built by Viv Bellamy, G-BAME c/n VHB-1, started in 1971 and first flown from St. Just in early 1974, had a tractor engine. Possibly a Lawrence or Salmson radial.
Designed to use wings from light aircraft including Auster, Aeronca, and Taylorcraft, In the UK, G-BAHP completed at Rollasons at Croydon by September 1972 featured Aeronca 7AC G-ATXC wings. It was first flown at Biggin Hill in 1973 with a Continental C90 engine.
Engine: Continental, 85 hp
HP range: 85-100
Speed max: 110 mph
Cruise: 80 mph
Range: 225 sm
Stall: 45 mph
ROC: 550 fpm
Take-off dist: (land) 350 ft., (water) 1000 ft
Landing dist: (land) 500 ft., (water) 1000 ft
Service ceiling: 12,000 ft
Fuel cap: 20 USG
Weight empty: 1000 lb
Gross: 1500 lb
Height: 8 ft
Length: 24 ft
Wing span: 36.5 ft
Wing area: 180 sq.ft
Seats: 2
Landing gear: tail wheel, retractable
Takeoff time 20 sec
Engine: 100 hp
ROC: 600 fpm
Span: 36 ft 6 in
Length: 24 ft
Empty wt: 1000 lb
Max wt: 1500 lb
All Aero 