About the WILLIAMS DALE QUICKIE
The Quickie is a unique and innovative general aviation aircraft developed by Quickie Aircraft Corporation. Conceived in the late 1970s, the Quickie aimed to challenge conventional aircraft design by offering an extremely efficient, lightweight, and affordable homebuilt airplane. The project was the brainchild of Burt Rutan, a well-respected aircraft designer known for his unconventional and highly innovative designs.
The Quickie first flew in 1978 and quickly garnered significant attention due to its unconventional appearance and performance characteristics. Featuring a tandem wing configuration, where a smaller forward wing and a larger rear wing work together to balance the aircraft, the Quickie was designed to be aerodynamically efficient while minimizing drag. This design, coupled with a lightweight airframe primarily constructed of foam and fiberglass, allowed the Quickie to be powered by a relatively small 18-horsepower Onan engine, which was uncommon for most light aircraft of the time.
Key Features and Capabilities
Quickie Aircraft Corporation marketed the plane to homebuilders, offering it in kit form. The low cost, estimated under $7,000 at the time including engine and materials, made it an attractive option for aviation enthusiasts who sought an affordable way to own and build their own aircraft. The Quickie’s performance was impressive, offering a cruise speed of around 120 mph and an impressive fuel efficiency of nearly 100 miles per gallon.
Its niche was squarely within the realm of sport aviation and personal recreation, providing pilots with a nimble and economical option for weekend flying. However, as with many homebuilt aircraft kits, the overall success depended heavily on the builder's skills and the quality of construction. Despite a strong initial interest and an enthusiastic following, production challenges and market realities eventually led to the aircraft's limited numbers.
Market Position and Use Cases
In summary, the Quickie is remembered for its daring design and contribution to the landscape of homebuilt aircraft. It represents a notable chapter in aviation history for its innovative approach, cost-effective performance, and the hands-on involvement it encouraged among aviation devotees.