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The origins of the Ercoupe date back to 1930 and a company called the Engineering and Research Corporation. The importance of this monoplane was its ergonomic simplification of flight control systems, with no separate rudder controls (unless specified by the customer). Early models had a fixed undercarriage, but were mostly
metal construction airframes. This simple design proved popular and many thousands were sold, particularly shortly after World War II. The Ercoupe was then often
marketed as Aircoupe or Forney Fornair. In 1963 Erco ceased trading, Alon took over the assets and launched an improved version designated Alon Model A-2 Ercoupe, which remained available until 1967 when Mooney acquired the company.
Robert Jackson "The Encyclopedia of Aircraft", 2004
| MODEL | Erco Model 415-E Ercoupe |
| CREW | 1 |
| PASSENGERS | 1 |
| ENGINE | 1 x 85hp Continental C85-12 flat-four piston engine |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 635 kg | 1400 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 9.14 m | 29 ft 12 in |
| Length | 6.32 m | 20 ft 9 in |
| Height | 1.80 m | 5 ft 11 in |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 196 km/h | 122 mph |
| Cruise speed | 177 km/h | 110 mph |
| Ceiling | 3660 m | 12000 ft |
| Range | 724 km | 450 miles |
Phil DuBois, 24.07.2008
Owned a 415-c for 8 yrs. great airplane. doesnt need rudder pedals. I have landed it in 30 kt x-winds. truely a safe airplane. very reliable and inexpensive to fly @ 4 1/2 GPH.
Dave Stoy, dstoytoy(@)aol.com, 29.05.2008
I owned an ErCoupe for over 10 years (1947 s/n 4819) and flew coast to coast,using it as a second car. When I bought it, the first thing that I was going to do was install the rudder peddle conversion Kit. By the time I could afford the kit I had put about a hundred hours on it and gotten used to not having separate rudder control. I learned how to land in 40 knot Kansas cross winds and never did buy the conversion kit. Our two kids eventually outgrew the little baggage compartment so we sold the plane. Wish I still had it. It was the safest and easiest to fly little plane the I have ever flown.
Frank Regan, fjregan(@)comcast.net, 28.05.2008
I flew this airplane without rudder and wouldn't wish the experienc on anyone. Weick tried to make flying an airplane like driving a car. big mistake! an aiplen needs an independent yaw control, i.e. rudder. Evenually the mistake was r ealized and a rudder became standard.
Bill Coons, ercoupefly(@)sbcglobal.net, 02.05.2008
Tail height can vary. The important thing is that the fuselage be level with the window ledge strip. Jack up the tail until level and add spacers in main landing gear to achieve. 337 can be obtained from Skyport industries. or John Cooper, or me. I did the 337.
brian, baragwanath1(@)verizon.net, 22.12.2007
you, and all the pre fifties ads look at hahe the tail hight at 1.80 meters or 5ft 11in.i can not find a ERCO or a sanders service manual, all that seams to be out there are univair who have the tail hight at 6ft 3in and may be right for the later coupes.even Charles H Hubbell did extensive research on all of his prints,has the tail hight at 5ft 11in.looking for any help i can find.thank you beian baragwanath
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Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?
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