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| STANDARD DATA: Seats 2. Gross wt. 1,900. Empty wt. 1,073. Fuel capacity 40. Engine 160-hp Lycoming. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 117. Cruise mph 112. Stall mph 34. Initial climb rate 1,275. Ceiling 21,000. Range 650. Takeoff (50′) 500. Landing (50′) 350. |
The old tandem Interstate trainer was reborn when the Arctic Aircraft Co. decided to develop the Tern bush plane. The Interstate’s rugged design and construction make it ideal for operating in remote areas on unimproved fields, sandbars, and beaches. Manufactured in Alaska, there are several features that bring the old trainer up to date. The Tern features a high gross weight (1,900 pounds under State of Alaska commercial requirements) and large balanced control surfaces. Its NACA 23012 airfoil design affords a wide center of gravity range with the famous floating characteristic of the Taylorcraft. A semi-Fowler slotted flap gives the pilot complete control and allows the slowest flight and slowest stall speed available in the lightplane field. The Tern is also designed for the mechanic because all components are readily accessible for inspection and maintenance. It can be easily fitted with floats, skis, or high-flotation tires to meet the bush pilot’s choice of terrain.
