Hi Bill,
Regrettably, no. The Mid-Atlantic folks are correct when they say that "A prototype with retractable gear was built in 1946 and flown..., but it was never certified." Their web page is an example of misinformation...facts in misleading or incorrect context. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing to overall truth.
They are incorrect when they say it had a bigger engine. Erco did test larger engine installations on an experimental basis, but not in this airframe. Also, they show the Met-Co-Air retractible...NOT the Erco retractable. (Note the "chin" location of the "retracted nose wheel, per my last email) Notice Mid-Atlantic does not give Alon credit for its A-2A design and production.
There are an infinite number of sources promulgating incorrect information including, unfortunately, the major pilot magazine authors and archives who regurgitate and perpetuate reciprocal misinformation
Regards, WRB -- On Apr 9, 2009, at 21:07, Bill BIGGS wrote:
Link to the REAL retractable Ercoupe: http://www.maam.org/aircraft/erco.html And photo. Bill Biggs To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 16:11:51 -0500 Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Is it real or PhotoShop? Harry,There is a transposition of digits in your "N95341". The stated N-number was never used by Erco.The airframe you intended to refer to is the Met-Co-Aire retractible...NOT the Erco retractible. The airframe serial no. 2596 now with N998N is not one of historical significance.Regards, WRB --
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