description Steen Skybolt Overview
The Steen Skybolt is a two-seat, homebuilt aerobatic biplane designed by Lamar Steen in the United States. It first flew in 1970 and became a prominent design in the amateur-built aviation community, with hundreds of aircraft completed from plans. The Skybolt utilizes fabric-covered construction over a steel tube fuselage and wooden wings. It is built by pilots and aviation enthusiasts seeking an open-cockpit aircraft capable of advanced aerobatic flight.
help Steen Skybolt FAQ
Why did Lamar Steen design the Skybolt as a two-seat biplane?
Lamar Steen wanted a fully aerobatic aircraft that could carry two people and comfortably accommodate larger pilots. He developed the prototype in Denver, and the Skybolt first flew in October 1970.
Is the Steen Skybolt sold as a complete kit or built from plans?
The Skybolt became known primarily as a plans-built homebuilt rather than a quick-build kit aircraft. Plans were sold in more than 29 countries, and builders completed over 400 examples with differing engines, equipment, and finishes.
Can the Steen Skybolt carry a passenger during aerobatics?
The standard Skybolt was designed as a two-place aerobatic biplane, so its second cockpit is not merely decorative. Whether a particular aircraft may perform aerobatics with a passenger depends on its approved operating limitations, loading, and the builder's configuration.
How is a Skybolt different from a Pitts Special?
Both are compact aerobatic biplanes, but the Skybolt was conceived as a roomy, two-seat, plans-built homebuilt. Pitts aircraft include factory-produced and homebuilt variants, while individual Skybolts can differ substantially because their builders select engines and other details.
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