I flew a later-model Alon with the twin rudders, and in
comparing it to the two 150s we had at the time, that Ercoupe
outperformed the 150 every way possible except in useful load. It had
90 hp, 10 less than the 150, grossed 150 lbs less, and would take off
shorter, climb 50% better, cruise 20 mph faster. Noisy and
uncomfortable, though, and though it had rudder pedals, they did little
besides steer the thing on the ground. Slips were insignificant. It
would sink badly if you let the speed get too low on final, but most
short-winged airplanes are like that. The Ercoupe was stall-proof, but
many were broken when they got too slow and pancaked in.
Dan
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