STITS SA-2A SKY BABY – N5K
Ray Stits designed an airplane so that he could claim the title of “The World’s Smallest Airplane.” The Sky Baby captured that title on May 26, 1952 when it first flew. Reportedly the planes handling characteristics, described as extremely sensitive, allowed only level flying.
The designer didn’t even trust his own, extensive flying skills, enough to fly the airplane. A veteran pilot named Bob Star flew the airplane and managed speeds over 200 miles per hour.
With a wingspan of seven feet two inches, a length of under ten feet and a height of less than five feet, the Stits “Sky Baby” was the World’s Smallest Aircraft, until the pilot of the Sky Baby, Bob Star, designed his own airplane, the Bumble Bee, that flew in 1984 and claimed the title.
This airplane can be found at the EAA Air Venture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
For more information please see: Sky Baby
For related information see: Sky Baby vs Bumble Bee
This is awsome
Excellent photos of the Stits Sky Baby. I do not see any copyright information on your site or photos, but I would still appreciate your permission to use these three color photos of the Stits Skybaby on my website before I include them. I have a section dedicated to Ray Stits, who is still going strong at the Flabob airport where he did all his marvelous designs. The sad part is that Ray is no longer involved with aircraft with the exception of providing educational help to the younger gereration. His EAA Chapter No. 1 is still very active there. I join in there activities from time to time.
http://www.fraseraerotechnologycompany.com/Ray_Stits_Aircraft.html
Sincerely,
Richard Fraser
richard@fraseraerotechnologycompany.com
It troubles me that I would have to stamp my photos with a notification of copyright. Think about it, Would you go into someone’s house and take their furniture because that person doesn’t have their name stamped on it? Anyway, forgoing the philosophical and ethical issues, feel free to use these photos on your website, just mention where you got them from.
Randy
Thank you Randy,
Having a business license leaves you subject to legal litigation. Besides the ethical issues, I always try to ask permission for a copy to share with others, as that is what my website is all about. I still agree with your philosophical thoughts.
Thanks again Randy,
Richard
“The Worlds Smallest Airplane: The Stits Sky Baby The
Trail” was in fact definitely compelling and informative!
Within todays world honestly, that is difficult to manage.
Many thanks, Lesley