I am sure you will get a swarm of bees, but should not get stung... Yes, Spike, I feel certain that there was considerable flight testing done to ascertain flight characteristics of the 1400 gross certification..
Weick (I believe) stated that the CAA (FAA) required tests at excessive rear CGs to assure safety, and confirm the coupe was not stallable or spinable, and even still controlable at rear CG limits. ( I find it interesting that the Ercoupe is still controlable if you lose the metal prop - or so it seems). With 1400 lbs. and 13 degrees up travel, and power on, the coupe was able to completely stall. With 9 degrees it wasn't able to attain the necessary angle of attack to attain a stalled condition. With power off, the 9 degrees wasn't satisfactory because of landing attitude was too flat. That is why Ercoupe introduced the CD model ( going bacvk to 1260 # gross. Later, when the split elevator was introduced, the prop wash had less effect on the elevator, so that with full power, the increased "up elevator of 20 degrees" gave satisfactory engine off control, but did not raise the nose too high with power on. (Note this has nothing to do with 85 HP, but with angle of attack at specific loads..and gross weights). Fly Safe - Have Fun Regards Harry Francis.
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