Origins - Development - Background - Aircraft

The Early Years

In the 36 years since the inception of the World Aerobatic Championships, aerobatic aircraft design as progressed considerably. In the beginning, any airplane capable of moderate aerobatics could be entered with a reasonable expectation of placing well, although the aresti scoring system favored some, notably the Bücker Jungmeister, over others. This was due to the fact that José Aresti, developer of the modern scoring system, based his difficulty values on the performance of the Jungmeister.

Bücker Jungmeister Photo: Mike Steineke from Sport Aviation

The Pitts Era

In the 60's the sport was redefined with the introduction of the S1-S Pitts Special, a small, powerful and agile biplane that dominated the sport during the period. The tiny Pitts was a marked contrast to the large Yak-52 monoplane used by the USSR and other eastern block countries.

Pitts Special Photo: AIR&SPACE

The Monoplanes

With the introduction of the monoplane campaigned by Leo Loudenslager, a transition began to the modern era. As more and more high performance monoplanes became available - a result of new designs using new construction methods and materials - the biplane was gradually replace by today's remarkable array of airplanes designed specifically for one goal: World Aerobatic Supremecy.

Sukhoi SU-26 Photo: Pompano Air Center

Origins - Development - Background - Aircraft
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