Era

Sheppard CS2

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After building the CS1 glider in the early 1930s, Clem Reginald Sheppard of Adelaide, Australia, designed the single seat Sheppard CS2 aircraft in the 1930s. The plans for this aircraft were first drawn in chalk on his parents’ lounge room floor at Kensington Park. The aircraft was later built in the backyard and garage. The fabric to cover the aircraft was sewn by his mother.

By 1938, after Clem had spent all his spare time and money, the aircraft was ready to fly. The CS2 had fold-back wings so it could be towed behind a car to Virginia, where it was flown on a number of occasions by Bill Maddocks. Bill was a Royal Aero Club of SA instructor.

On Clem Sheppard’s death, the aircraft was taken into store by the Royal Aero Club of SA. It went to the South Australia Aviation Museum in November 1987. The wings were to be refitted following restoration.

Gallery

Engine: 4-cylinder Henderson Ace Motorcycle engine rated at 8 hp
Wingspan: 7.62 m
Length: 5 m
Height: 1.68 m
Maximum take-off weight: 174 kg
Capacity: 1 pilot

Shenyang J-31

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The second product of the J-XX program to be revealed to the public was the J-31. Revealed to the public in 2012, it clearly incorporates some stealth aspects, especially towards the front of the aircraft.

Testing began in October 2012, and in late 2014, the J-31 was displayed publicly at an airshow for the first time. The prototype mounts two Russian-designed RD-93 turbofans (the same engines as the MiG-29). The mockup shown at that same event seems to show that several changes to the design are in store. While the intended role of the J-31 within China is unclear, it does seem to be slated for export, with Pakistan reportedly planning to purchase up to 40 J-31s.