Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer

Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer
Role	Homebuilt aircraft
National origin	United States of America
Designer	Curtiss Kissinger, LeRoy Crookes
Unit cost	$60 in 1958

The Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer is a high-wing homebuilt glider based on the Amcraft Products model aircraft.

Design and development

The Flying Saucer is the first in a series of aircraft designs from Curtiss Kissinger, and LeRoy Crookes capable of carrying a pilot. It received a Patent No. 2,864,567.

The prototype was built using EMT electrical conduit. The wings use pine wood spars, and 1/8 inch plywood covering. The wing chord varies from center to tip to form a circular shape. The wings fold in segments for road travel.^[1]

Operational history

The flying saucer was towed aloft on flight tests with a Nash Rambler. The prototype suffered structural damage on the first flight tests.

Specifications (Kissinger-Crookes Flying Saucer)

Data from Sport Aviation

General characteristics

• Capacity: 1
• Length: 14 ft (4.3 m)
• Wingspan: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Height: 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
• Wing area: 123 sq ft (11.4 m²)
• Empty weight: 210 lb (95 kg)

Performance

• Stall speed: 30 kn (35 mph; 56 km/h)

References