KINNER “SPORTSTER”€

1932

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Kinner Airplane and Motor Corp., primarily known for its radial engines used in WWII primary trainers, also designed and produced its own aircraft, starting with the Sportster in 1932.
  • The Kinner Sportster was a two-seat, low-wing taildragger powered by 100-hp Kinner radial engines, featuring mixed construction with fabric-covered wooden wings and a steel-tube fuselage.
  • A cabin version, named the Playboy, was also developed, powered by a 160-hp Kinner engine and distinguished by its wire-braced wings.
See a mistake? Contact us.
iad
STANDARD DATA: Seats 2. Gross wt. 1,875. Empty wt. 1,218. Engine 100-hp Kinner.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 104. Cruise mph 90. Initial climb rate 800. Ceiling 14,000. Range 340.

Kinner Airplane and Motor Corp. is better-known for radial engines used in many World War II primary trainers, including the Meyers OTW and the Ryan PT- 22, but Kinner also introduced an airplane of its own design in 1932. As might be expected, the side-by-side two-seat Sportster series of low wing taildraggers was powered by 100-hp Kinner five-cylinder radial engines. Some of the Sportsters that are still active have opted for the 125-hp Kinner. The aircraft employed a mixed construction with the conventional fabric-covered wooden wings and fabric-covered steel-tube fuselage combination. Another version, named the Playboy, was a cabin model powered by a 160-hp Kinner. It featured wire-braced rather than strut-braced wings; otherwise, construction was essentially the same.

Plane & Pilot

Plane + Pilot is general aviation’s only adventure-based magazine. From where to go, to how to get there, and everything in between, your next great adventure awaits.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE