Volmer Jensens’ VJ-8 enclosed glider was built circa 1933.
Volmer VJ-8 Gullwing
Monoplane
Volmer VJ-4
The 1928 VJ-4 cantilever wing glider was Jensen’s first original design, for a wealthy sportsman named Thomas Stimson.
Volmer VJ-21 Jaybird
The Jarvis Jaybird design was acquired by Volmer Jensen as homebuilt project soon after World War II and became the VJ-21 Jaybird with retractable wheels and 75hp Continental A75 engine.
The 1947 Volmer Jaybird all-metal evolution features a pod nacelle with a pusher engine and has monowheel gear with outriggers on the wings. Reportedly more than 900 plans sold to builders through the 1960s.
A later owner (ca.1960) put a 125hp Continental C125 in, repositioned wings slightly lower and added small auxiliary fins.
VJ-21 Jaybird
Engine: 75hp Continental A-75
Wingspan: 45’0″
Length: 24’0″
Useful load: 500 lb
Max speed: 135 mph
Cruise speed: 110 mph
Stall: 35 mph
Range: 400 mi
Take-off run: 50′
Landing run: 150′
Seats: 2
Volmer Sport
The 1942 Sport built by Volmer Jensen was a two-place, open cockpit, low-wing monoplane, of resin-impregnated plywood construction.
Volmer VJ-24 SunFun
The VJ-24 is Volmer Jensen’s hang glider design built from aluminum. This motorglider is constructed of aluminum tubing plus fabric, and originated as a foot-launched glider. SunFun is made from pop riveted aircraft aluminium with the wings leading edge formed in styrene foam. Covering is polyester aircraft fabric doped. Control is by aileron, elevator and rudder. A permanent seat is built into the hanger structure.
The VJ-24 was first flown in about 1975 and showed excellent controllability with a joystick. Plans were available from Volmer Aircraft for $100.00. Materials have been estimated at $2400, with a building time of 250 hours.
The VJ-24 uses pip pins and thumb screws to assemble in 10 minutes without tools.
Designated the VJ-24E, the Sunfun is essentially a simplified version of the Swingwing hang glider or powered hang glider. The wings are fabric-covered aluminum tube and are a rectangular-planform type braced by V struts. The two wheels are for ground handling only, so the Sunfun is foot-launched and foot-landed. A 10-hp engine and fuel tank are installed beneath the wing and behind the pilot so that takeoff can be performed without benefit of a steep hill. Wingspan is 36 feet 6 inches, and total weight is 110 pounds. The Volmer VJ 24E Sunfun has a useful load of about 200 pounds, burns about 1.5USG per hour.
A minimum powered glider, the VJ-24W is a modified version of VJ-24E Sun Fun hang glider with wheeled landing gear, tractor engine, independent rudder control, manufactured by Airway Aircraft Inc., 905 Airway Ave., Glendale, CA 91201, USA.
Fairing behind pilot cuts drag. Independent three-axis controls. Construction is all metal with Dacron cover. Yamaha KT100 or McCulloch 101 engine. Two main wire wheels, tail skid undercarriage.
VJ-24
Wingspan: 36 ft
Wing chord: 4 ft 6 in
Wing area: 160 sq.ft
Empty weight: 110 lb
Speed range: 18-25 mph
VJ-24
Speed max: 40 mph
Cruise: 30 mph
Range: 30 sm
Stall: 17 mph
ROC: 350 fpm
Take-off dist: 100 ft
Landing dist: 100 ft
Engine: Yamaha, 15 hp
Fuel cap: 1.5 USG
Weight empty: 210 lbs
Gross: 410 lbs
Height: 5.75 ft
Length: 198.5 ft
Wing span: 36 ft
Wing area: 163 sq.ft
Seats: 1
Landing gear: tail wheel
VJ-24W Sun Fun
Wing span: 36.5 feet
Wing area: 163 square feet
Empty weight: 165 pounds
Max gross weight: 345
Engine: Yamaha KT-100, 97.6cc, 15 hp.
Reduction unit: 2,75:1
Prop: 57 in
Wingspan: 36 ft
Wing area: 160sq.ft
Aspect ratio: 8:1
Length 18’
Empty weight 200 lbs
Payload 200 lbs
Gross weight 400 lbs
Wing loading 2.5 lbs/sq.ft
L/D 10:1
Cruise speed 30mph
Stall speed 18mph
Vmax 40 mph
Takeoff run 100’
Landing roll 100’
Climb Rate 350 fpm
Fuel Capacity 1.5 USG
Chord length: 4.5 ft
Wing span: 36.5 ft
Wing area: 163 sq,ft
Aspect ratio: 6.75
Weight: 110 lb
Pilot weight: 160-200 lb
Takeoff speed: 13 mph
Stall speed: 15 mph
Max speed: 30 mph
Best glide ratio (L/D): 9.5
Best L/D speed: 17 mph
Min sink: 158 fpm
Volmer VJ-23 Swingwing
Designed by Volmer Jensen and Irv Culver, its cost Jensen roughly $400 in supply in 1971. The total construction time is estimated at three months of construction in free time. Culver is an aerodynamic engineer who designed the profile of the VJ 23 SwingWing and made the fatigue study.
Volmer VJ-23 Swingwing Article
The cantilever wing has a relative thickness of 16%, thus eliminating the reinforcement by cables or struts. The disassembled craft is designed to be assembled in 30 minutes.
The cantilever wing is largely built from spruce and plywood with a fabric covering. The wing is constructed in two parts of 4.88 meters and able to be assembled with three bolts. The wings, which weigh 15 kilos each, with a limit load factor of 2G and an ultimate load factor of 3G. The leading edge of the wing is made with a 1mm backing, and the leading edge ribs are 1cm thick marine plywood, with spruce for the ribs of the tail unit, and rods for the spar of the wing. Jensen does not use epoxy for the VJ23, preferring white glue that he has been trusted for years. The wings and tails are covered with Ceconite, a light fabric of 1.8oz / sqrd. The tail boom is an aluminum tube of diameter 10 cm and 4m long.
Apply the fabric without stretching it, then apply a coating to ensure waterproofing. The fabric can then be stretched with an iron.
The VJ-23 features padded arm rests and wheels. It is controlled by a joystick. The kit came with an airspeed indicator.
It was originally available in kit form only.
The airframe is made from 6061-T6 1.25in x .035 aluminium tubing. The 15 ft boom is made from 6061-T6 4in x .035 tubing. The ribs are wood truss. A permanent seat is built into the hanger structure.
What distinguishes SwingWing is its unusual ability to stay in the air. With a modest wind of about 30 km / h, the pilot takes off in less than two or three steps and then flies as long as he can stay in the ascending part. For short-term flights, the pilot is suspended by leggings, but a seat harness can be used with a seat for longer flights.
During a demonstration of SwingWing, Jensen remained in the air for more than 40 minutes, flying along and before a dune at an altitude of 35 ft (10 m) with a length of 300 yards. The 23° slope seemed to have an excellent performance for dynamic flight. The speed of cruising is between 25 and 40 km / h. The landing takes place in one or two steps.
Although the VJ23 prototype carries Federal Aviation Administration registration number N474VJ, registration is not required.
In 1978, David Cook became the first hang glider pilot to fly over the English Channel in one hour, flying at an altitude of 1000 feet in a powered Swingwing.
A motorized version has been built as the VJ-23E.
The VJ 23 was never built factory, but designed for amateur construction, very many plans were sold.
Designed in the early 1970s by Volmer Jensen, the Swingwing is essentially a powered hang glider. Empty weight without engine is 100 pounds, and the gross weight is 300 pounds. The Swingwing is built from aircraft plywood, spruce, steel tubing and fabric covering. Control surfaces include ailerons, elevators and rudder.
In 1978, David Cook became the first hang glider pilot to fly over the English Channel in one hour, flying at an altitude of 1000 feet in a powered Swingwing.
VJ-23
Wing span: 9.88 m
Length: 4.96 m
Wing area: 16.65 sq.m
Aspect ratio: 5.88
Airfoil: Irv Culver
Empty Weight: 45 kg / 100 lb
Gross Weight: 136 kg / 300 lb
Wing Load: 7.9 kg/sq.m
Vzmin: 1.1 m/sec
Glide Ratio: 12 @ 62 kph
Takeoff distance: 31 m
L/DMax: 12 32 kph
MinSink: 0.96 m/s 30 kph (18-20 mph)
Seats: 1
Cruise: 16-25 mph
Stall: 15 mph
Chord length: 4.7 ft
Wing span: 32.6 ft
Wing area: 179 sq,ft
Aspect ratio: 6.9
Wing sweep: 2˚
Weight: 100 lb
Pilot weight: 160-200 lb
Takeoff speed: 13 mph
Stall speed: 15 mph
Max speed: 25 mph
Best glide ratio (L/D): 9-1
Best L/D speed: 18 mph
Min sink: 176 fpm
Volmer VJ22 Sportsman
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
Vol Mediterrani VM-1 Esqual / Esqual Aerocomp AB VM-1
The VM-1 Esqual is a two seat light plane manufactured in composite with high density PVC foam and Epoxy resins. Laminated in a mould and vacuum cured in an oven at constant controlled temperature and humidity.
The fuselage is monocoque. The safety reinforced cockpit has twin axle composite beams all around its frame. The low cantilever wing has positive changing flaps (as high lift devices). The wing structure has a composite sandwich skin with a main double “T” composite spar and an accessory spar near the trailing edge.
The cockpit seats are side by side. The rudder pedals are adjustable in flight. Electric operated flap and mechanical trim are standard, electric trim is an option. Independent ventilation openings are standard, a cabin heater is an option. The luggage compartment (with 50lts capacity) is located behind the seats and can be accessed during flight.
The landing gear of the Esqual has a classic tricycle gear which is made of 7175 T6 aluminium grade. The main gear legs are suspended in the main carry through beam together with the reinforced wing spar zone. The main wheels are equipped with independent hydraulic brakes for steering. The nose gear leg is supported in the engine mount and equipped with a free swivel nose wheel.
2009 Price: 75000 EURO
Engine: Rotax 912 ULS (100 HP)
Wing span: 9.10 m
Wing area: 9,0 m²
Length 6.08 m
Height 1.94 m
Empty Weight: 265 kg / 584 lbs
Maximum weight: 544 Kg
Fuel capacity: 2 x 50 lts
VNE: 173 kt / 199 mph / 320 kmh
Stall: 33 kt / 39 mph / 62 kmh
Cruise: 135 kt / 155 mph / 250 kmh
Climb Rate: 1800 ft/min / 9 m/s
Glide Ratio: 1:19
Take-off distance (50ft obstacle): 450 ft / 138 m
Landing distance (50ft obstacle): 660 ft / 200 m
Roll rate (45/45º) 2 sec
Cockpit width 110 cm
Voliamo S. Franscesco
The S. Franscesco side by side two seater has a spaceframe fuselage and fabric covered wooden wings.
The prototype first flew in 1976.
S. Franscesco 3
Engine: Limbach, 80 hp
Wing span: 9.7 m
Wing area: 12 sq.m
MAUW: 450 kg
Empty weight: 280 kg
Fuel capacity: 50 lt
Max speed: 170 kph
Cruise speed: 140 kph
Minimum speed: 60 kph
Climb rate: 3 m/s
Seats: 2
Fuel consumption: 10 lt/hr
Volante Aircraft Co Volante
The ultimate goal of the Volante flying car program was to prove to the aviation community and to the public, by actual demonstration, that the flying car, properly designed, can bring revolutionary new capabilities to a transportation system.
The conversion process, aircraft to car and trailer and back, be very simply carried out in a very short time. They set 10 to 12 minutes as a goal. All flying cars require some conversion, and 12 minutes is a good trade for a lightweight, unencumbered car.
Aircraft
Engine: 180 hp
Wingspan: 27 ft
Length: 20 ft
Height: 7 ft
Empty weight: 1300 lb
Gross weight: 2000 lb
Baggage: 7.6 cu.ft
Cruise speed: 157 mph
Stall: 65 mph
Max range: 650 mi
TO dist: 700 ft
Car
Width: 5 ft 6 in
Height: 4 ft
Length: 13 ft 5 in
Empty weight: 640 lb
Gross weight: 1200 lb
All Aero 