Usually, aviation journalists attending airshows seek the latest and greatest in aircraft. We love to find aircraft our readers have never seen and I’ve reported some of those in recent days. Today, however, I’m going to step back in time to an aircraft model series I have not covered in years. Titan Aircraft has become well known for their take on the ever-popular P-51 Mustang. In Titan’s case this resulted in the 75%-scale T-51 Mustang. You can read my different-than-usual report on that aircraft in this article. Yet the longtime Ohio producer also continues to make their dashing Tornado in four varieties. One of those, the SS or Super Stretch model is my focus. Titan Tornado SS “Super Stretch” Tornado started out as a single place aircraft back in the early days of FAA’s Part 103 regulation. That rule came out in fall of 1982 and a few years later, Titan got in the game with their 1+1 Tornado.
Sun ‘n Fun 2021 / Day 4 — Still Great 30 Years Later: Titan Aircraft’s Tornado Comes in Four Flavors
Titan Tornado SS "Super Stretch"
Tornado started out as a single place aircraft back in the early days of FAA's Part 103 regulation. That rule came out in fall of 1982 and a few years later, Titan got in the game with their 1+1 Tornado.All-Metal Airframe
"Tornado I was the first kit that we produced," said John. "Nearly three decades after it was released, it is revered for its durability and longevity, thanks to its all metal airframe." He admitted he didn't know these airplanes would last so long and now finds himself competing with his own aircraft on the used market.In the foreground of this view you see the right aileron spade, a mechanism to lighten handling and increase response. They are very effective but not commonly seen.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Titan Tornado Super Stretch (SS)
- Empty Weight — 640 pounds (290 kilograms)
- Gross Weight — 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms)
- Length — 19 feet 11 inches (6.07 meters)
- Height — 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters)
- Wing Span — 26 feet (7.92 meters)
- Wing Area — 120 square feet (11.15 square meters)
- Cabin Width — 28.5 inches (0.724 meters)
- Cabin Head Room — 43 inches (1.092 meters)
- Cabin Leg Room — 43.5 inches (1.105 meters)
- Fuel Capacity — 15 U.S. gallons (57 liters)
- Engine — Rotax 912 or Jabiru 2200/3300
- Power — 80-120 horsepower (60-89 kilowatts)
- Never Exceed Speed — 150 miles per hour (241 kilometers per hour)
- Cruise Speed — 110-125 miles per hour (177-201 kilometers per hour)
- Stall Speed — 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour)
- Range — 315-630 statute miles (500-1,000 kilometers)
- Climb Rate — 1,600-2,000 feet per minute (8-10 meter per second)
- Take Off Run — 250 feet (75 meters)
- Landing Roll — 250 feet (75 meters)