Champion J-1 Jupiter Explained

The Jupiter J-1 is a single-seat, low wing, homebuilt aircraft with fiberglass covered wood airframe construction.

Design and development

The J-1 Jupiter was an all original design in 1959 using wooden construction methods based on the Pietenpol Air Camper and new applications of fiberglass layups.

The J-1 is a low wing aircraft with conventional landing gear and a large bubble canopy. The wings are configured without dihedral. The fuselage uses a wooden geodesic airframe construction with steel secondary wing spars. The wing panels are covered with single seamless flat fiberglass panels that are bonded to the wooden wing ribs and spars. The leading edge is formed with fiberglass layered up in place. The same process is used on the elevators.[1]

Operational history

The J-1 Jupiter won the Outstanding Design award at the Experimental Aircraft Association airshow in 1959.[2]

Variants

Jupiter K-2
  • A two-seat development of the J-1, powered by a 125hp Lycoming O-290-G.

    Notes and References

    1. Sport Aviation. August 1967.
    2. Sport Aviation. February 1960.