Loudenslager Laser 200 Explained

The Loudenslager Laser 200 is a single place, mid wing, aerobatic monoplane designed and built by Leo Loudenslager.[1] It is constructed of steel tubing and covered with Ceconite fabric.[1]

Design and development

In an effort to perfect the design of the Stephens Akro, Loudenslager conducted modifications to increase roll rate, climb rate, and overall strength while decreasing the empty weight.[2] These modifications included grinding away unnecessary bosses and casting flash, which removed 12 pounds from the engine alone, as well as spot drilling the canopy. A high strength wing was achieved using a single piece wooden spar. Longer full-span ailerons greatly increased the roll rate. The resulting aircraft contained only 10% of the original design, the rest being Loudenslager's own work.[1] [3] The design greatly influenced the next generation of aerobatic aircraft such as the Extra 300, which dominated aerobatics throughout 1990's.[1]

Operational history

The Laser 200 was flown to victory in seven US National Aerobatic Championships, and one World Aerobatic Championship.[1]

Variants

Stephens Akro

Original Variant

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Loudenslager Laser 200. 30 May 2019. National Air and Space Museum. 2016-03-18.
  2. Web site: Beautiful Obsession. 1 June 2019. Air and Space Magazine.
  3. Web site: Laser 200. 30 May 2019. Airbum.com.