THORP T-18

Plane & Pilot
Verified
Edited By: Omar Filipović
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thorp T-18 is a highly popular, two-place homebuilt aircraft renowned for its impressive speed capabilities.
  • It achieves a top speed of 200 mph (175 mph cruise) thanks to its clean, streamlined monoplane design, light weight, and sleek exterior.
  • Key design features contributing to its speed include a tight cowling, sleek canopy, and very clean metalwork.
  • The plans for the Thorp T-18 have been removed from the market by its designer, John Thorp.
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STANDARD DATA: Gross wt. 1,500. Empty wt. 900. Fuel capacity 29. Wingspan 20’10”. Length 18′.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 200. Cruise mph 175. Stall mph 65. Climb rate 2,000. Takeoff run 300. Landing roll 900. Range 500.

The Thorp T-18 is without a doubt one of the most popular homebuilts in existence. This two-place speedster can wring 160 mph out of a 125-hp engine. Its monoplane design with slightly upturned wings is clean and streamlined in appearance. A tight cowling, sleek canopy, very clean exterior metalwork, and light weight help explain its speed. John Thorp, designer of the T-18, removed the plans from the market.

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