The Aristocraft II was a six-place homebuilt aircraft designed by Terrence O'Neill.[1]
The Aristocraft II was a redesigned aircraft built off the prototype airframe of the WACO Aristocraft. The Franklin-powered Aristocraft pusher was rebuilt using the wings and most of the internal structure of the original. The layout was drastically changed from a twin-tailed, mid-engined, pusher to a conventional tractor arrangement. The intent was to develop a homebuilt aircraft from the design with the flexibility to carry six passengers, or fewer people with extended range.[2] [3] An effort was made to certify the design, under the name Model W Winner but money ran out before completion, with only two orders.
The Aristocraft II was a strut-braced, high-wing, tricycle gear, six-passenger aircraft designed for Franklin or Lycoming 2000NaN0 engines.[4] The fuselage was made of welded steel tubing with aluminum skin. The cowling was split vertically, and could hinge open for maintenance.[5]
The standard engine was a six-cylinder Lycoming, however plans were drawn for a 2450NaN0Jacobs L-4MB radial engine installation and also for a Continental R-670 radial installation. This specified that the engine would be mounted closer to the firewall and also incorporated conventional landing gear, a 930NaN0 propeller and the outward appearance of "Mr. Muligan", this evolved into the O'Neill Magnum.[6]