Planes worth modeling: Acro Sport II biplane

Model Airplane News, Jul 1999 by Yarrish, Gerry

The Acro Sport II biplane was designed by EAA founder Paul Poberezny following the success of his single-place Aao Sport I. Paul designed the two-place biplane as a trainer for wouldbe aerobatic pilots who wanted to build time toward qualifying to fly the one-place Acro Sport. The original Aao Sport was designed to serve as an aviation building project for students in high school shop classes, some of whom, Paul hoped, would be convinced by the experience to pursue an aviation career. The prototype first flew on January 11, 1972, just 352 days after Paul began designing the aircraft. Both biplanes are built using welded chromoly steel tubes and feature wooden wing ribs and spars. Both are finished with fabric covering and paint. The prototype is powered by a 180hp, 0-360, 4-cylinder Lycoming engine and is part of the EAA Museum's aircraft collection.

The Acro Sport II has been licensed by the FAA in the Experimental aircraft category. Plans for the Acro Sport, as well as other Poberezny-designed aircraft, are available from Acro Sport Inc. in Hales Corners, WI, and are specifically intended for the amateur, home-based aircraft builder.

The Acro Sport's long nose and tail moments, constant wing chord and simple cabane and interplane strut design make it a good subject for a scale or sport-scale model. If you're tired of the Pitts or Christen Eagle, try the Acro Sport II.