The Cyclone replic of the Cessna 180/185 range was offered in six versions. It is all metal in construction and equipped with a high performance wing and butterfly type doors.
The US$26,000 kit included engine mount, cowling, wingtips and fairings.
A Lycoming engine was optional.
Engine: Continental, 230 hp HP range: 145-350 Height: 7.5 ft Length: 26 ft Wing span: 38 ft Wing area: 181 sq.ft Fuel capacity: 65 USG Empty weight: 1700 lb Gross weight: 3000 lb Top speed: 178 mph Cruise: 158 mph Stall: 37 mph Range: 870 sm Rate of climb: 1300 fpm Takeoff dist: 250 ft Landing dist: 950 ft Service ceiling: 17,700 ft Seats: 4 Landing gear: tailwheel
Engine: Continental O-470, 230 hp Wing span: 11.60 m Wing area: 16.2 sq.m MAUW: 1585 kg Empty weight: 770 kg Fuel capacity: 340 lt Cruise speed: 255 kph Minimum speed: 65 kph Climb rate: 6.5 m/s Seats: 4 Plan price (1998): Can$650 Kit price (1998): Can$26,500
In 1955 Ray Stits designed the Flut-R-Bug, his sixth design. It was originally a single-place, mid-wing, nosewheel airplane and several variants followed.
The first Flut-R-Bug was the Model SA-5A, followed by the SA-5B. Stits also designed tandem versions (SA-6A and SA-6B) and then the two-place, side-by-side SA-6C. The Flut-R-Bug was typically powered by either a small Continental or Lycoming engine.
SA-5B Courtesy Don Stits
Stits SA-5 Flut-R-Bug Engine: 1 × Continental A65, 65 hp (48 kW) Propeller: 2-bladed Sensenich, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) diameter Length: 17 ft (5.2 m) Wingspan: 23 ft (7.0 m) Wing area: 103.5 sq ft (9.62 sq.m) Airfoil: NACA 4412 Empty weight: 528 lb (239 kg) Fuel capacity: 9 U.S. gallons (34 L; 7.5 imp gal) Maximum speed: 87 kn; 161 km/h (100 mph) Cruise speed: 70 kn; 129 km/h (80 mph) Stall speed: 35 kn; 64 km/h (40 mph) Range: 174 nmi; 322 km (200 mi) Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m) Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s) Wing loading: 6.4 lb/sq ft (31 kg/sq.m) Crew: 1 Capacity: 1 passenger
The 4th design of Ray Stits, the Stits-Besler Executive project was initiated when William Besler of Besler Corp. contracted Ray Stits to design a three-place homebuilt aircraft with folding wings. Besler was an early aviation experimenter, who had mounted a steam engine of his own design on a Travel Air 2000 in 1933.
Ray Stits designed the three place Stits SA-4A Executive, developed from the Stits Playboy. Only one was built, costing $6000 in 1955.
The wings on the Executive fold aft and upward. Fuel tanks are embedded in the non-folding wing roots. The fuselage is welded steel tube with fabric covering. The ailerons are mounted in the center of the wing rather than the tips.
The sole Executive, (registration no. N36K), has been used as a test bed for Besler-designed engines; a 150 hp (112 kW) steam engine and a two cycle, four cylinder Vee rated at 100 hp (75 kW).
Stits-Besler Executive Engine: 1 × Lycoming O-320, 150 hp (110 kW) Wingspan: 25 ft 6 in (7.77 m) Wing area: 120 sq ft (11 sq.m) Length: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m) Width: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m) with wings folded Height: 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) Empty weight: 800 lb (363 kg) Gross weight: 1,450 lb (658 kg) Fuel capacity: 24 Maximum speed: 143 kn; 266 km/h (165 mph) Cruise speed: 130 kn; 241 km/h (150 mph) Stall speed: 43 kn; 80 km/h (50 mph) Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (13 m/s) Range: 350 mi Seats: 2-3
The Stits SA-7 Skycoupe was one of the most common homebuilts in the early 1960s. It could be built for around $3,000 back then.
SA7B Skycoupe Courtesy Don Stits
The SA-7 Sky-Coupe was Stits’ initial entry in the “ready-made” two-place aircraft market. About 1956, the SA-7A N5581V was powered by a 65hp Continental engine.
The 1957 SA-7B N5594V had a re-designed fuselage and tail; elevator trim tab and was powered by a 65hp (later 85hp) Continental engine.
One custom-built fuselage only SA-7C was built for a 125hp Lycoming engine.
SA-7D
The SA-7D Skycoupe, very similar in appearance to a Piper Colt, is of typical construction for aircraft of the late 1950s — welded chromoly steel tube fuselage, wooden wing, fabric covering, powered by a 125-hp Lycoming O-290-D converted from a military ground power unit.
About 1961 the SA-7D designed by Harold Dale and Ray Stits was a production version supplied in kit and blueprint form. Power options were up to 100hp.
The design proved so popular that Ray Stits, the designer, and his business partners took it through certification.
The Type Certificate for the Stits Model SA-9A Skycoupe was granted by the FAA in December 1961 after four years of testing.
Variants: SA-7A SA-7B Powered by a Continental C85 SA-7C SA-7D Updated with a squared off swept tail configuration. SA-9A A type certificated version.
Stits SA-7 Skycoupe Engine: 1 × Continental A65, 65 hp (48 kW) Wingspan: 24 ft 4 in (7.42 m) Wing area: 120 sq ft (11 sq.m) Length: 17 ft 9 in (5.41 m) Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Empty weight: 600 lb (272 kg) Gross weight: 1,080 lb (490 kg) Fuel capacity: 17 US gallons (64 litres) Maximum speed: 87 kn; 161 km/h (100 mph) Cruise speed: 78 kn; 145 km/h (90 mph) Stall speed: 30 kn; 56 km/h (35 mph) Range: 261 nmi; 483 km (300 mi) Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m) Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s) Wing loading: 9 lb/sq ft (44 kg/m2) Seats: 2
The Stits SA-8A Skeeto is an early homebuilt ultralight design by Ray Stits initially intended to be an affordable light aircraft that could be built complete for under $500 in 1957. The fuselage was welded steel tubing, with mostly fabric covered wood construction for the wings and control surfaces. The engine for this kit venture was to be an off-the shelf low cost model.
Test model 1 was a 4 hp (3 kW) Continental modified for 6 hp (4 kW). Test model 2 was a two cycle 3.5 hp (2.6 kW) engine with a belt reduction. Test model 3 used two engines on a single v-belt making it a 4 hp (3 kW) twin engine which flew at 25 mph. Test model 4 had a homelite chainsaw engine at 7.5 hp (5.6 kW) Test model 5 used a Disston chain saw engine at 9 hp (7 kW) Test model 6 used a Disston chain saw engine mounted inverted. Test model 7 used an Inverted Evinrude 25 hp (19 kW) outboard boat motor. Test model 8 used a right-side up Evinrude.
SA-8A Skeeto c/n 301
Test flights were limited to the length of the runway after the aircraft was registered as a “research and development” project. The roll rate was so low at 20-30 mph, that rudder turns were preferred. The 3-4 pound wing loading was considered impractically light for handling. An example of a SA-8 Skeeto was donated to the Claremont, California Air Museum in 1958, it is now in the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Stits SA-8A Skeeto) Length: 18 ft (5.5 m) Wingspan: 30 ft (9.1 m) Height: 7 ft (2.1 m) Wing area: 120 sq ft (11 sq.m) model 1 Empty weight: 175 lb (79 kg) 175lb test one model. Gross weight: 400 lb (181 kg) model 1 Fuel capacity: 2.5 gal (9.5 litres) Powerplant: × Evenrude , 25 hp (19 kW) Maximum speed: 48 kn; 89 km/h (55 mph) Cruise speed: 39 kn; 72 km/h (45 mph) Service ceiling: 50 ft (15 m) This aircraft was only certified to fly up to 50 feet. Rate of climb: 250 ft/min (1.3 m/s)
Designed by Ray Stits, the SA-11A is a single engine, side-by-side configuration seating, tricycle gear, strut-braced, low wing monoplane. The fuselage is welded steel tubing with aircraft fabric covering. The wings have a quick release mechanism that allows them to fold and lock alongside the fuselage in 15–30 seconds. Safety mechanisms were put in place so pilots could visually inspect that the wings were locked in place. A small sideways seat in the rear can accommodate 150 lb (68 kg) of luggage or a light passenger.
The prototype was donated by Ray Stits in 1969 to the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Its engine went into the Stits SA-9A “Skycoupe” prototype for testing and development.
Courtesy Don Stits
In 1971 the Playmate cost approximately $3650 to build.
SA11A Playmate Courtesy Don Stits
SA-11A Playmate Engine: 1 × Lycoming O-320, 150 hp (110 kW) Wing area: 120 sq ft (11 sq.m) Length: 18 ft 4 in (5.59 m) Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) Empty weight: 886 lb (402 kg) Gross weight: 1,500 lb (680 kg) Fuel capacity: 24 U.S. gallons (91 L; 20 imp gal) Maximum speed: 115 kn; 212 km/h (132 mph) Cruise speed: 104 kn; 193 km/h (120 mph) Range: 369 nmi; 684 km (425 mi) Service ceiling: 17,500 ft (5,300 m) Rate of climb: 1,625 ft/min (8.26 m/s) Crew: 1 Capacity: 1
In 1980, Don Stits began the design the Baby Bird, a tiny high-wing monoplane, with the goal of setting a new “Worlds Smallest Airplane” record. With the help of his wife, Lori, and their two children Ray and Jennifer, construction began in the family garage.
The Baby Bird’s fuselage and tail were constructed of steel tubing, the 6 ft 3 inch wing of spruce, and completed with fabric covering. Baby Bird was powered by a 55hp Hirth engine swinging a ground-adjustable wood prop.
By the summer of 1984, the Baby Bird was ready for taxi tests. Don’s friend, Harold Nemer, was chosen to pilot the Baby Bird based on his experience and size. In August 1984, Baby Bird completed taxi test and made its first flight. Over the course of time, Nemer completed 35 flights before Don retired the Baby Bird having reached his goal of resetting the record with a monoplane.
August 1984 courtesy Don Stits
In 1986, the Baby Bird was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Smallest Monoplane in the World”.
Don donated the Baby Bird to the EAA AirVenture Museum in 1989.
Courtesy Don Stits
Engine: Hirth Wingspan: 6 ft 3 in Overall length: 11 ft Empty weight: 252 lb Gross weight: 425 lb Top speed: 110 mph Lift off: 70 mph Stall: 60 mph Load: 9 g
In 1952 Ray Stits designed and built the single-place Stits SA-3A Playboy. It was his third aircraft design. A subsequent variation was the two-place, side-by-side Stits SA-3B Playboy (his fifth design) in 1954.
SA-3A
One of the more popular designs by Ray Stits, the Playboy was designed for backyard builders to construct from easy-¬to-follow plans or simple-to-do work kits. The Playboy can handle any one of several four-cyclinder engines in the 85- to 160-hp class. Probably the most common is the 85-hp Con¬tinental. Construction is mixed, with wooden wings and a steel-tube fuselage. All surfaces are fabric covered. The Playboy is easily recognizable because of its sliding canopy and strut-braced low-wing design.
SA-3A
The Playboy is rated for aerobatics, but it doesn’t have inverted fuel or oil, so you’d have to stay with positive Gs, and with 65 horses there are limits to what it can do. It’s responsive, but yet not light on the controls, but the tail is extremely light, so even on run up you have to be careful to hold the tail down, or she’ll want to nose over.
SA3B Two Place Playboy Courtesy Don Stits
The original Playboy N38K has been rebuilt and now resides in the EAA museum.
Original SA3B Two Place Playboy Data Sheet
The Stits SA-3A Playboy served as a catalyst for Richard VanGrunsven, who, after modifying and improving the Playboy in 1965 (and calling it an RV-1), was further inspired to build an airplane of his own design — the RV-3.
The two-seat Flut-R-Bug was designed in 1955 by Ray Stits for homebuilding projects. The improved SA-6B model was built in considerable numbers including two in Australia where they were to act as prototypes for a local version known as the Hamilton Jackaroo. This never eventuated. The steel-tube fuselage and wooden wings are fabric-covered. Fitted with a tricycle undercarriage and with a 75 hp motor the Flut-R-Bug can cruise at 135 km/h for about 400 km.
SA-6B Flut-R-Bug Courtesy Don Stits
The first Flut-R-Bug was the Model SA-5A, followed by the SA-5B. Stits also designed tandem versions (SA-6A and SA-6B) and then the two-place, side-by-side SA-6C. The Flut-R-Bug was typically powered by either a small Continental or Lycoming engine.
SA-6C Flut-R-Bug Courtesy Don Stits
There were possibly two aircraft (VH-ULA & ULB) built in Australia by Norman Hamilton with a view to producing them commercially. Further production did not eventuate. VH-ULB written off in a ground accident in 1984.
VH-ULB – the second Stits manufactured in Australia courtesy David Whitten
Ray Stits built his first small plane in 1948, the Junior. The incentive to build “Junior”, the monoplane, came from a discussion about the world’s smallest airplane. Someone mentioned Steve Wittman’s little racer with a 13’ span and Ray Stits queried whether or not he could fly something with a 10’10” wingspan. One of the participants in that conversation said it wouldn’t be possible and that was all it took. Ray started building. He’d actually been thinking about it for a long time and proceeded with a 40hp engine from an Aeronca. That got changed to a 65 hp Continental. The plane was a handful and after the third crash on the fifth test flight, Ray shortened the wings to 8’10” and attached tip gates to generate more lift and better aileron control. He found a new pilot, Bob Starr, a former P-51 pilot. In 1950, Junior was a big hit in airshows. He began thinking about a larger sport plane that would be easy to build and fly, but he got side-tracked with another design: his quest to create the world’s smallest biplane.
SA1A Junior Courtesy Don Stits
Junior wound up on a scrap heap after an off airport landing.
Engine: 65 hp Wingspan: 8 ft 10 in Length: 11 ft 4 in Empty weight: 393 lb
All Aero 