Buckle up and learn about the diamond-shaped Dyke JD-2 Delta, an audacious homebuilt born in a visionary’s basement in Ohio. Designed in the 1960s, the Delta was never mass-produced and presently few remain in airworthy condition, but its owners / builders feverishly defend the type’s reputation as one of the best aircraft they’ve ever flown.
source.image: Aircraft Adventures
The wings can be folded for towing or storage and hinge upwards to lie flat above the fuselage, one atop the other. Construction is of SAE 4130 grade steel tube framework with fiberglass and fabric skins.
source.image: Aircraft Adventures
The delta configuration offers a relatively high cruise speed compared to conventional aircraft of the same weight and power. Its stall speed (70–75 mph) is relatively high for a small single-engine aircraft, and its configuration at touchdown is relatively nose-high. Approach speeds of 100–110 mph are used.
Advertisement
The Delta also lays fame to claim as one of the first aircraft ever to include a feature built into its design that could have revolutionized airplane ownership as we know. Enjoy the video!
General characteristics Crew: 1 pilot Capacity: 3:2 passengers, with a small third passenger in the center bench seat position Length: 19ft 0in (5.79m) Wingspan: 22ft 3in (6.87m) Height: 5ft 6in (1.68m) Wing area: 173sq/ft (16.0m2) Empty weight: 1 060lb (481kg) Gross weight: 1 980lb (884kg) Powerplant: Lycoming O-360, 180hp (134kW). Performance Maximum speed: 200mph (322 km/h, 170kn).
