WILLIAMS “STINGER”€

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Stinger is a high-performance, single-seat Formula I racing monoplane designed by Art Williams.
  • It features an all-wood wing structure and a lightweight alloy monocoque fuselage, capable of a top speed of 260 mph.
  • The aircraft placed second at the 1973 Reno Air Races, recording a best single-lap speed of 234.7 mph, and was later raced by former astronaut Deke Slayton for two decades.
  • Stinger is a one-of-a-kind custom racing plane, with no plans or drawings offered for sale to the public.
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STANDARD DATA: Gross wt. 835. Empty wt. 385. Fuel capacity 8. Wingspan 19′. Length 15’10”. Engine 100-hp Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 260. Stall mph 65.

This single-seat Formula I racing monoplane was designed by Art Williams. The wings are an all-wood structure with laminated spruce spars. The fuselage is built from lightweight alloy and employs a monocoque structure. Flown by John Paul Jones, it captured second place at the 1973 Reno Air Races. In the same year it recorded the best single-lap speed of 234.7 mph. The craft was then sold to the late former astronaut Deke Slayton who continued racing Stinger for the next 20 years. Stinger, like its related ships Falcon and Sundancer, is a one-of-a-kind custom racing plane. Arthur Williams offers no plans or drawings for sale to the homebuilding public.

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