So I'm wanting to build a STOL bush plane, but I'm unsure what features and characteristics that allow a design to be good, so any info from you guys?
So, what are some requirements for something to be considered a Bush Plane? And what features do they usually have?
16.4k ThePrototype
6.1 years ago
Yes pretty much all that they said, here is the one that I built. Bush Bachelor
Thanks guys for the info, I appreciate it @JohnnyBoythePilot @jamesPLANESii @Chancey21
Some key features on a bushplane:
Tundra Tires (aka Bush Tires)
Vortex Generators
Slats
Tailwheel landing gear (although tricycle landing gear can be used in bush flying as well, but tailwheel is usually preferred)
Slotted flaps/ailerons/flaperons.
Extra windows (= more visibility)
Climb-pitched prop
Constant speed prop
Floats/Pontoons for water ops
Fat wings
Long wingspan
Long range/High fuel capacity
Large amount of room & cargo space
These are just many features found on bushplanes, and no you don't need ALL of them on a bushplane for it to count as one.
Ginormous wheels
There are particular characteristics that make some designs better than others at being bush planes. For example, a taildragger configuration to increase prop clearance, good stol performance to make it better at getting in and out of short runways, easy maintenance so if something on the plane breaks and you’re out in the back country it can be repaired with basic tools, a relatively cheap design so if something breaks it can be cheaply repaired, and conveniently two or more seats and cargo area.
Generally the way the plane is used gives it the definition as a bush plane. For example, if a DC-3 is used in the backcountry delivering supplies to remote, unpaved runways, it could be classified as a bush plane.
And you had no idea how much @Minecraftpoweer
450 word essay on Bush planes coming right up:
Many people do not realize there is a completely unique type of airplane to access wilderness areas with no landing strips. Runways are the biggest setback in air transportation because they require huge areas, and are expensive to construct and maintain. While still being extremely effective, bush planes help eliminate these problems. Also, some areas can afford to build a landing strip, but do not have room to create one big enough for most airplanes. The short takeoff and landing distance of bush planes make these areas accessible. Bush planes are necessary for life in hard to reach places because of their takeoff and landing distance, low operating costs, and ability to depart and arrive on rough surfaces.
Light bush planes are essential to life in otherwise inaccessible places because of their low operating costs. While requiring more runway space than helicopters, operating a bush plane costs a fraction of the expensive helicopter. Purchase cost, fuel, and maintenance are all extremely low cost compared to most other aircraft. Their cargo weight and speed are very similar to helicopters so cost is one of the main pros to bush planes.
The short takeoffs and landings are perhaps the most intriguing and unique feature of bush planes. While many airliners sometimes require over 6,000 feet of runway, some bush planes can land in under fifty feet. Large wings, light weight, and special techniques help bush planes land safely on short and narrow runways. Perhaps the greatest factor to landing distance is speed. The slower a plane is moving, the shorter the distance it takes to slow down. The other important factor is the touchdown. This is the point where the plane actually the ground. It is critical to short landings. If you touchdown late, you use up the much-needed runway.
Another point in the usefulness of bush planes is their ability to land on rough surfaces. In an area where there is no runway, one must land a bush plane on grass, rocks or other outdoor surfaces. Some bush planes are built specifically for this, but most are fitted with special suspension and large tires to land on spaces in the wilderness. These“Bush Tires” can be massive, and over three times the size of regular aircraft tires. Sometimes under inflation is necessary to land on rocks, sand, or snow. The add-ons of bush tires and suspension make your plane able to access almost any terrain.
Light and fast, bush planes are some of the most useful tools for transportation.
The gist of the design:
-STOL
-Flaps
Usually high wing
-Usually taildragger
-Mostly prop
Usually resembles a Super Cub; the ultimate Bush Plane
I know chancey will show up
Both Piper Cub and Antonov An-2 are bush planes. What they have in common is that they can fly at very low speed and have very durable landing gear with large tires to help it over bumps and in the mud. They also preferably use taildragger configuration to keep prop higher off the ground.
:) @StallFlight
I generally see bush planes as rugged and affordable. Most don't have retractable landing gear, and many mount floats and skis. Landing gear is also generally big to accommodate for rough runways. Try a yellow and black or red and white paint job, these seem to be popular choices...
Needs a bush pilot
Thanks peeps @goboygo1 @Delphinos
Bush plane is defined by how it is used, a wide variety of different aircraft with different configurations have been used over the years as such,
Bush Plane needs at least :
- the undercarriage is designed to be fitted with floats or skis or wheel with skis, to permit operation from water or snow, and more,
- High wings ease loading and unloading,
- conventional or "taildragger" landing gear, which is two large main wheels and a small rear wheel,
- short runway requirements, typically gained through high aspect ratio wings and high-lift devices such as flaps, slots and slats to improve low speed flight,
big wings? large wheels and high wing is what comes to mind.
@Chancey21 any info?