Wing D-1 Derringer – Aircraft of the Month

September 1, 2025August 31, 2025 / Spencer Gould

An interesting find the D-1 can be quite the rare site with only 12 built and 9 still registered as of 2009. It was designed by John Thorp famous for being the lead on the preliminary design team for the T-16 / PA-28 for Piper and the Thorp T-18 kit-plane. The prototype was originally powered by O-200 engines but where later upgraded to more powerful IO-320′s.

It’s quite the good looking twin but due to many factors it was not produced in mass.

YouTube videos are very limited, here are a few I found:

x-plane has a download for the D-1

https://forums.x-plane.org/files/file/39264-wing-aircraft-co-d-1-derringer/

No Dice for RC options on Outerzone, surprising as it looks like it would be an easy balsa build.

There are 3 other Thorp designs for the T-18 on OZ: https://outerzone.co.uk/search/results.asp?keyword=thorp

Aeroverse Streaming

May 5, 2024May 5, 2024 / Spencer Gould

I found out about a new ad free streaming service called Aeroverse. Current price is $8.99 as of this post.

https://aeroverse.com

I found out about the service on Jimmys World

There is also a podcast with the founder of Aeroverse Charles Cook

There is also a iOS app for the streaming service

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aeroverse/id6478621910

Additional resources

https://flysnf.org/press-release/aeroverse-launches-as-a-pioneering-streaming-app-for-aviation-enthusiasts-marking-a-milestone-in-digital-entertainment-on-the-historical-anniversary-of-the-wright-brothers-first-flight/#:~:text=Available%20for%20a%20monthly%20subscription,app%20stores%20on%20December%2017th.

https://www.wate.com/business/press-releases/accesswire/849940/aeroverse-announces-partnership-with-jimmys-world-and-airspace-auctions-to-bring-exciting-aviation-content-to-audiences/

Make an Airplane Wing in Rhino 3D

April 20, 2024April 20, 2024 / Spencer Gould

This video shows how to make a complex & accurate Aircraft wing loft for a general aviation / home built / light sport size aircraft.

In this video you will learn about a main source for NACA 6 series airfoils.

https://www.pdas.com/sections6.html

The end wing shown in the video has:

25’ span with 3º of dihedral

Scimitar Profile

55” root chord with a NACA 65-415 Airfoil

30” tip chord with a NACA 63-618 Airfoil & 3º of wash out.

Rhino 3D web site: https://www.rhino3d.com

3dConnexion simple & small Space Mouse: https://amzn.to/3U3Cbsf

3dConnexion fully loaded Space Mouse: https://amzn.to/3xNN8q8

Theory of Wing Sections Book: https://amzn.to/3xHUMT3

Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators: https://amzn.to/4b5xNjp

Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics: https://amzn.to/449IrDj

https://gouldaero.com

Thorp T-18 – Aircraft of the month

February 4, 2024 / Spencer Gould

The Thorp T-18 was designed in 1963 and is still a common home-built aircraft to see at airshows like Airventure & Sun-N-Fun. Over 400 examples have flown.

John Thorp the designer worked on many aircraft during his career i`ncluding the Piper PA-28 Cherokee series.

The T-18 was originally an open cockpit aircraft powered by a 0-290G ground power unit. But evolved into a closed cockpit with a O-360 for power.

It paved the way for the Van’s RV series of kitplanes. Used T-18 finished aircraft and projects come up from time to time. kits / plans are are difficult to see if they are still around. One resource is: https://www.homebuilt.org/kits/elkund/elkund2.html

A few other websites to check out:

http://www.t18.net

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aircraft-building/kits-and-plans/t—z/thorp-t-18

A few YouTube videos on the aircraft: