Leffler-MacFarlane LM-1 explained

The Leffler-MacFarlane LM-1 is an American mid-wing, single-seat, FAI Open Class glider that was designed and constructed by Al Leffler, Walt MacFarlane and Bill Meyer, first flying in November 1963.^{[1] [2]}

Design and development

The LM-1 was built using a modified wing from a Laister-Kauffman TG-4. The wing retains its original wood and doped aircraft fabric construction, its 501NaN1 span as well as the use of a NACA 4418 airfoil at the wing root, transitioning to a NACA 4409 at the wing tip. The newly designed fuselage is made from welded steel tube and fiberglass. The landing gear was originally a retractable dual-wheel hydraulic arrangement, that was replaced with a more conventional retractable monowheel from a Schreder HP-14.

The aircraft was registered with the US Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Amateur-built category. Only one was ever constructed.

In 1974 it was reported that plans were underway to create a new 561NaN1 span wing for the LM-1, that would feature a Wortmann airfoil.

Operational history

By 1974 the LM-1 had flown 120000NaN0 of cross country distance. In August 2011, 48 years after its first flight, the aircraft was still registered with the FAA and was owned by Bill Meyers, one of the original partners.

Notes and References

1. Rogers, Bennett: 1974 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 45. Soaring Society of America, August 1974. USPS 499-920
2. Web site: Make / Model Inquiry Results N9646Z. 3 August 2011. Federal Aviation Administration. August 2011.