The World’s Smallest Airplane: The Stits Sky Baby

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