CULVER MODEL V

1946’€“62

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Culver Model V was initially introduced in 1946 but saw limited production due to the Culver Aircraft Corp. going bankrupt in the same year.
  • It was revived in 1956 by Superior Aircraft Co. as the "Superior Satellite," maintaining the original resin-bonded spruce and plywood structure but upgrading the engine from 85-hp to a 90-hp Continental.
  • The Superior Satellite, a two-seater, boasts a top speed of 135 mph, a cruise speed of 130 mph, and a range of 700 miles.
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STANDARD DATA: Seats 2. Gross wt. 1,600. Empty 1928 –30 wt. 1,030. Fuel capacity 32. Engine 90-hp Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 135. Cruise mph 130. Stall mph 55. Initial climb rate 750. Range 700. Ceiling 13,100. Takeoff run 800. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,600.

The Model V was introduced in 1946 by the Culver Aircraft Corp., but few were produced before the company went bankrupt in the same year. In those years, power was supplied by an 85-hp Continental engine. In 1956, Superior Aircraft Co. was founded to acquire Culver Aircraft and reinstate production of the Model V under the name Superior Satellite. The Satellite used a 90-hp Continental engine, but otherwise retained the same basic structure as the Model V. The fuselage and wings were constructed from resin-bonded spruce and plywood.

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