Skiplanes & Seaplanes | Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman

Skiplanes & Seaplanes | Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman

Skiplanes & Seaplanes | Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman  As the VJ-22 moved along the taxiway, the late afternoon light spilled softly on its fuselage.   It attracted several pilot onlookers as it made its way to its hanger.

The Back Story  What is it?  It’s a 1950’s vintage, experimental, high wing monoplane, Volmer VJ-22 Amphibian flying boat nicknamed “Sportsman.”  You just don’t see a plane like the VJ-22 taxiing at your local airport very often.  For more information on the VJ-22, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.

Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Cockpit

Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Cockpit

Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Cockpit   Builders of homebuilt airplanes can sometimes customize certain parts of the plane.  The cockpit panel tends to be a favorite place to get creative.  In this VJ-22, the glass display is an iPad, which adorns a modern cockpit for a classy vintage plane. And, look at the wood floor; beautiful workmanship.  For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.

Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Turning

Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Turning

Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Turning   The VJ-22 continues to taxi and start its turn toward the hanger.  Since the tailwheel appears to be free wheeling, turning must be accomplished by differential braking.  Still, the tailwheel incorporates a water rudder, and retracts upwards.  Perhaps the tailwheel turns on the ground as well.  For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.

Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman

11/30/2013 Volmer VJ-22 SportsmanVolmer VJ-22 Sportsman   Now, you don’t see that plane taxiing around the airport every day.  So, what is it?  That was my question to the owner after it stopped in front of its hangar.  Well, it’s a 1950’s vintage, experimental, high wing monoplane, Volmer VJ-22 Amphibian flying boat nicknamed “Sportsman” with a 235hp Franklin engine, hydraulic brakes, and a two place, size by side, closed cabin.  Apparently, only about 100 have been built.  This particular airplane was built in 1994 hence the upgraded engine.  For more images of this beautiful plane, visit Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.

 

 

 

 

 

11/30/2013 Volmer VJ-22 Seats

Just the Facts

    • Length: 24 ft
  • Height: 8 ft
  • Wingspan: 36.5 ft
  • Empty weight: 1,000 lbs
  • Useful load: 500 lbs
  • Gross weight: 1,500 lbs
  • Fuel consumption 5.0 gals per hour with a Continental C-85 engine
  • Cruise: 85 mph
  • Stall: 45 mph
  • Climb: 600 ft/min
  • Ceiling: 13,000 ft
  • Wood hull aircraft mahogany plywood and spruce, fiber-glass covered
  • Wings-Aeronca Chief or Champion, wood spar, ribs, fabric covered
  • Landing gear-Main gear, swiveling tail wheel and water rudder manually retractable


 

 

11/30/2013 Volmer VJ-22 CockpitYeah, the glass display is an iPad which adorns a modern cockpit for a classy vintage plane. And, look at the wood floor; beautiful workmanship.   Hopefully, I’ll get another opportunity to capture more images of this gorgeous airplane.  Once again, the easy to carry, Nikon 1 V1 comes through, since it was in my vehicle as I was leaving the airport today.