Quote:
Originally Posted by Dale Martin
This Wing Derringer made a stop at Chino yesterday. It is based in Dallas.
The owner told me that only twelve were built and only five are still
flying. The Derringer is a two seat twin powered by O-320 engines. In
picture 4 you can see the boarding step which retracts when the canopy is
closed. In picture 6 you can see the interesting main gear. It scissors in
half before foldong up into the wing. Picture 7 is from the factory
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DJM
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I've had a particular liking for the Wing Derringer since the days it was being produced, during it's prototype stages actually since I subscribed to Aviation Week for quite a few years beginning in the early '70's.
N644W may be the D-1 Derringer most often flown, certainly the most often seen at EAA fly ins around the country. The owner, Wendell Green, and aircraft are based in Argyle, Texas. It's one of the most beautiful examples flying, without a doubt.
There are nine on the US aircraft registry, sadly one of them just had its airworthiness certification expire on 31 March, 2011. That aircraft, N8601M (serial number 7) is located in Hawaii, sure hope it's protected from the sea air, because it could be reduced to junk if it's not.