Produced from 1946 to 1951,
the Globe Swift is a sporty general aviation design
whose beauty and superior flying characteristics have
made it a favorite classic. The A model was the only
multi-seat, complex, nonexperimental aircraft of its
time in the United States under 100 horsepower.
All-metal with sleek lines and retractable landing gear,
it handled like a fighter and was a major advance over
wood-and-fabric sport designs-and surprisingly
economical to fly.
Ludlow
"Pete" King bought this Swift (National Air
and Space Museum display) in 1975 and restored it to
near-original condition. It retains most of its Alclad
skin, early production magnesium engine cooling grills
and fabric-covered ailerons, and a Beech-Roby
variable-pitch wooden propeller. The interior is vintage
as well, with its Art Deco-style instrument panel and
instruments, cream and blue color scheme, and original
control wheel yokes and seats.
Wingspan: 8.9 m (29 ft 4 in)
Length: 6 m (19 ft 7in)
Height: 1.9 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight, empty: 483 kg (1,062
lb)
Weight, gross: 712 kg (1,570
lb)
Top speed: 217 km/h (135 mph)
Engine: Continental C-85-12,
85 hp
Source:
Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
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