VOLMER VJ-22 “SPORTSMAN”€

Plane & Pilot
Verified

Edited By:

Omar Filipović

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Volmer Jensen Sportsman is a successful, two-place homebuilt amphibian aircraft designed for versatility.
  • It is significantly more cost-effective to build than buying a comparable airplane and features a corrosion-resistant fiberglass plywood hull suitable for saltwater.
  • This flying boat design is powered by a 100-hp Continental pusher engine and offers interchangeable landing gear, allowing for operation on wheels or skis.
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STANDARD DATA: Gross wt. 1,500. Empty wt. 1,000. Fuel capacity 20. Wingspan 36’6″. Length 24′. Engine 85- to 100-hp Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 95. Cruise mph 85. Stall mph 45. Climb rate 600. Ceiling 13,000. Takeoff time 20 sec. Range 320.

Volmer Jensen’s two-place Sportsman amphibian has to be called one of the more successful homebuilt designs around. Building it costs about a tenth as much as buying a comparable airplane. Saltwater can’t hurt its fiberglass plywood hull, so corrosion is no problem. The Sportsman uses fabric-covered Aeronca Chief or Champion wings. It is essentially a small flying boat fitted with wheels that can be exchanged for skis. Power is supplied by a 100-hp Continental mounted in pusher fashion.

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