Starr Bumble Bee II




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKdR68KswSQ
You Tube - Starr Bumble Bee II

Specifications
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Length:
Wingspan:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Fuel:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Stall Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First Flight:
recreation
one
85 hp
8 ft. 10 in.
5 ft. 6 in.
396 lbs.
574 lbs.
3 gals.
133 mph
190 mph
86 mph
4,500 fpm
14,000 feet
n/a
3/26/88



Starr Bumble Bee II

Starr Bumble Bee II

The Guiness Book of World Records credits the Bumble Bee II as the world's smallest biplane.

Starr named the aircraft "Bumble Bee II" because it is said that the bumble bee does not have sufficient wing area to fly. At first, some engineers and pilots said the same about Starr's Bumble Bee. The bumble bee and the Starr Bumble Bee II have never heard this rumor, so they fly anyway.

Unfortunately after making several passes at a height of about 400 ft., the aircraft's engine quit. The plane was completely destroyed in the resulting crash. Starr, the pilot, was seriously injured, but eventually fully recovered from his injuries.

Although the Starr Bumble Bee II was lost, the original Bumble Bee is on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tuscon, AZ.

Starr Bumble Bee II - Willard

Starr Bumble Bee II

Outerzone UK has posted free plans for the Starr Bumble Bee II by Ken Willard.  It builds to a wingspan of twenty inches.